Chartism, Commemoration and the Cult of the Radical Hero

Chartism, a British mass movement for democratic and social rights in the 1830s and 1840s, was shaped by the radical tradition but little attention has been paid to how Chartists saw themselves in relation to this tradition or how they invented their own. This book explores the complex cultural work that radical heroes were made to perform by drawing on visual and material culture, cultures of heroism, memory and commemoration, critical heritage studies, and the history of political thought.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 228 pages
Publication date: 31 March 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Chartism, a significant British mass movement advocating for democratic and social rights during the 1830s and 1840s, was profoundly influenced by the radical tradition from which it sprang. However, there has been limited exploration of how Chartists perceived themselves within this diverse radical tradition or how they crafted their unique heritage. In their endeavors to establish a radical tradition, Chartists resorted to the use and sometimes manipulation of figures such as Paine, Cobbett, and other 'founding fathers, both deceased and alive.

By delving into fresh and captivating research in the domains of visual and material culture, cultures of heroism, memory, and commemoration, critical heritage studies, and the history of political thought, this book uncovers the intricate cultural roles that radical heroes were tasked with fulfilling. It sheds light on the ways in which Chartists appropriated and reimagined these historical figures to shape their own radical identity and agenda.

Chartism emerged as a response to the socio-economic and political grievances of the working class in Britain. The movement was characterized by a strong emphasis on the rights of the working man and the pursuit of democratic reforms. Chartists sought to establish a universal franchise, the right to vote for all men over the age of 21, and the abolition of the House of Lords.

However, Chartism faced significant opposition from both the government and the conservative establishment. The movement was often characterized as violent and disruptive, and its leaders were frequently arrested and imprisoned. Despite these challenges, Chartism continued to grow and gain support, particularly among the working class and the urban poor.

One of the key figures in Chartism was William Lovett, a printer and political activist who played a significant role in organizing the movement. Lovett was a firm believer in the power of the working class to effect change and was a vocal advocate for democratic and social rights. He was also a prolific writer and editor, producing numerous pamphlets and newspapers that promoted the cause of Chartism.

Another important figure in Chartism was John Tyndale, a pastor and theologian who was also a prominent figure in the religious reform movement. Tyndale was a strong supporter of the rights of the working class and believed that religion should be used to promote social justice and equality. He was a key figure in the formation of the Chartist Church, which was a religious organization that supported the cause of Chartism.

Chartism also drew inspiration from a range of other radical traditions, including the French Revolution, the American Revolution, and the Industrial Revolution. These movements had a profound impact on the ideas and beliefs of Chartists, and they helped to shape their vision of a more democratic and egalitarian society.

In conclusion, Chartism was a significant British mass movement that sought to establish democratic and social rights for the working class. The movement was profoundly shaped by the radical tradition from which it emerged, but it also developed its own unique heritage. Chartists used and manipulated figures such as Paine, Cobbett, and other 'founding fathers' to shape their own radical identity and agenda. By drawing on new and exciting work in the fields of visual and material culture, cultures of heroism, memory, and commemoration, critical heritage studies, and the history of political thought, this book explores the complex cultural work that radical heroes were made to perform.

Weight: 467g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367784096