may 1, 1831 - The Merthyr Rising

Description:

Coal and steel workers employed by the powerful Crawshay family took to the streets of Merthyr Tydfil in South Wales, calling for reform, protesting against the lowering of their wages and levels of general unemployment. Gradually the protest spread to nearby industrial towns and villages. By the end of May the whole area was in rebellion and armed force had to be used. 20 people were shot by troops and the ringleaders were tried and hanged.

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