jul 14, 1789 - Storming of the Bastille and beginning of the French Revolution

Description:

Radical groups in Britain were sympathetic to events in France and began organising themselves. Their aims were not united but all pushed for some degree of parliamentary reform. They formed societies (e.g. London Corresponding Society), held lectures, produced and published pamphlets and the population became more aware of politics and started to demand change.

There were also disturbances, mutinies and protests triggered by the French Revolution (not helped by poor harvests and rise in food prices). The Government feared Britain was heading the same way as France.