Pitt's Reign of Terro

886 Words4 Pages
To What Extent was Pitt’s repressive policy the MAIN reason for his success in resisting the radical challenge to 1801? In the aftermath of the French Revolution there was a concern that revolution, similar to that which affected France, would sweep through Britain. That there was no such revolution in Britain was due to a number of factors. Certainly, Pitt’s repressive policy, which became known as the “Reign of Terror” in the period 1789 -1801, was a significant, but not the sole reason for Pitt’s success in resisting the radical challenge which was being waged in Britain. It was the combination of the radicals’ failure to develop the organisational structure and tactics necessary to mount a sustained challenge to the governing classes combined with the ability and willingness of the government, led by Pitt, to use all powers at its disposal, which undermined the position of the radical movement. Pitt’s tough legislative policies were key in driving the radical forces underground. It was in the cities, dominated by the skilled artisans and craftsmen, that Pitt perceived the radical threat was most prevalent and he was determined to crush that threat. He did so with ruthless efficiency. The strong handed legislative policies that Pitt employed included; 1. The suspension of the Habeus Corpus Amendment Act between May 1794 and July 1795 and then again between 1798 and 1801. That suspension meant that anyone could be arrested and held indefinitely even if that person was only suspected of having committed a crime. 2. Banning meetings that were not approved by a local magistrate which policy was designed to keep a close watch on illegal gatherings. 3. Effectively abolishing Trade Unions when Pitt banned the “combination of men”. This impacted on the radical movement as the trade union was the only method working men had of redressing grievances
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