Key Events- Peterloo Massacre (1819)

The Peterloo Massacre (also known as the St Peter's Riots) happened on the 16th of August 1819, organised by 60'000 pro-democracy and anti-poverty peaceful protesters. It has been estimated that 18 people (including women and a child) were killed at the event from both trampling and sabre cuts, and almost 700 were seriously injured. The Massacre represents the time in which great political tension lead to many protests and mass gatherings. This national worker discontent was largely due to the growing impoverished society in Britain- less than 2% could were enfranchised, Britain was on the brink of famine due to harsh winters and the introduction of the  Corn Laws.

The Start

• Crowds began to gather in the morning in Manchester- at this point in a controlled manor 
• Henry 'the Orator' Hunt to the platform as key speaker 
• Banners were put up calling for universal male suffrage, parliament reforms, fairer representation, etc
• The motif of red was used to symbolise liberty 
• Magistrates at the scene attempted to disperse crowds to prevent it spiralling out of control 

During 

• The military were called to stop the efforts of the crowds and arrest the speakers 
• Their attempts only caused more panic 
• Rumours from the time suggested some of them were drunk as they went after unarmed civilians- the other soldiers then joined in 
• The public tried to protect these civilians 
• The efforts of these soldiers were frowned upon and the phrase Peterloo used statically in relation to the successful efforts of those at Waterloo (i.e. they were being sarcastic as those at Waterloo were heroes)
• 11 people were killed and around 400 injured 

Aftermath

• The field was abandoned at 2 in the afternoon- along with the banners and bodies of dead civilians 
• Journalists and key speakers were arrested and put on trial
• The soldiers were congratulated by the Prince Regent (future George IV) and they were never condemned for the wrongs that happened 

Significance 

• Encouraged parliament to pass the Six Acts 
• This included the Sedatious Meeting Act which prevented people from meeting in groups larger than 50 people 
• Newspapers were also taxed to prevent radicals spreading their message and influencing them