Chartism

/ˈtʃɑrtɪzəm/ noun

Definition

A 19th-century English working-class movement demanding democratic political reforms, including universal male suffrage and secret voting.

Etymology

From charter plus -ism. Named after the 'People's Charter' of 1838, a document outlining political demands of British workers.

Kelly Says

Chartism was the first mass political movement of the industrial working class—over a million people signed petitions, and it terrified the British establishment because it showed workers could organize politically!

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