jan 1, 1834 - The Tolpuddle Martyrs
Description:
Year: 1834
Country: England
Political/Government System: Monarchy – King William IV
Method of Protest: Workers Union, petition
The Tollpuddle Martyrs were a secret workers’ union protesting the minimal pay and industrialisation of their jobs. The members of the Tollpuddle Martyrs were required to swear an oath of secrecy.
When the local squire heard of this illegal union, he immediately detained its member as he was afraid of the consequences of an uprising. The members were sentenced to seven years transportation to Australia.
As a result of this sentence, the working class rose up in support of the Tollpuddle Martyrs. People marched through London demanding justice for the members. Along with this, the protesters presented a petition with over 800,000 signatures on it opposing the sentence.
The Tollpuddle Martyrs were one of the first workers’ unions, even though they were illegal. The effects of this protest against inequality are still seen today with the formation of government-endorsed workers’ unions, the use of a minimum wage and associations to prevent workplace mistreatment.
Image 1- Primary Source – Drawing of the convicted Tollpuddle Martyrs
Image 2- Primary Source – Drawing of the protest in support of the Tollpuddle Martyrs
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