Peterloo: The English Uprising

On August 16, 1819, a peaceful pro-democracy rally in Manchester was attacked by armed cavalry, resulting in the Peterloo Massacre. The event marked the rise of a new English radical populism and challenged the British state. Robert Poole's book "The English Uprising: Peterloo 1819" provides a comprehensive account of the massacre, exploring the reasons behind the attack, the orders given, the radical strategy, and the involvement of women on the platform.

Format: Hardback
Length: 480 pages
Publication date: 18 July 2019
Publisher: Oxford University Press

On August 16, 1819, a peaceful rally of approximately 50,000 pro-democracy reformers took place at St. Peter's Field in Manchester. However, this gathering was met with a violent attack by armed cavalry, resulting in the tragic loss of 18 lives and the injury of 700 individuals, many of whom were women and children. This event, known as the Peterloo Massacre, has gained significant historical significance and has been the subject of a recent feature film and a major commemoration in 2019.

The Peterloo Massacre played a pivotal role in the Making of the English Working Class, as it marked the rise of a new English radical populism in response to the challenges posed by the British state, which had recently emerged victorious at Waterloo. The massacre was a stark reminder of the powerlessness of the working class in the face of the oppressive ruling elite and sparked a wave of outrage and activism across England.

The attack on the Peterloo rally was ordered by the Duke of Rutland, who was concerned about the growing influence of the pro-democracy movement in the industrial north. The cavalry were sent to disperse the crowd, but their actions were met with fierce resistance from the reformers, who refused to disperse. The brutal tactics used by the cavalry, including the use of sabres, further inflamed the situation and led to the loss of lives and injuries.

One of the most striking aspects of the Peterloo Massacre was the presence of women on the platform. Women had been actively participating in the pro-democracy movement, and their presence at the rally was a symbol of their determination to fight for their rights and freedoms. However, the women were also subjected to extreme violence and abuse by the cavalry, who saw them as a threat to the stability of the state.

The reasons for the ferocious attack on the women at Peterloo are still a matter of debate and speculation. Some historians argue that the women were targeted because they were seen as a threat to the male-dominated political system, while others suggest that their presence on the platform was a result of their involvement in the labor movement. Whatever the reason, the attack on the women at Peterloo was a chilling reminder of the patriarchal and oppressive nature of the British society of the time.

The Peterloo Massacre has had a lasting impact on the history of England and the world. It served as a catalyst for the rise of the labor movement and the fight for workers' rights and social justice. The event also highlighted the power of the national press to shape public opinion and mobilize people for social change.

In conclusion, the Peterloo Massacre was a tragic and significant event in the history of England. It marked the rise of a new English radical populism and the brutal suppression of a peaceful pro-democracy rally by the ruling elite. The massacre serves as a reminder of the importance of fighting for social justice, equality, and human rights, and the need to stand up against oppression and tyranny.

Weight: 758g
Dimension: 234 x 165 x 40 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198783466