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Scotland During The French Revolution (Part Two)

© Simon Hill

When studying a protest or demonstration which involved a large number of people it often becomes clear that the driving force for their actions is economic rather than strictly political. The late 18th century and early 19th century was a period of intense urbanisation and industrialisation. The old feudal order was largely swept away and replaced with another hierarchical structure - capitalism.

The move towards capitalism saw the growth of the middle classes in power and stature. A meritocracy, in which people advanced according to ability and performance, rather than due to favouritism or birth right. The lower classes were tempted by the illusion that they could potentially be successful if they worked hard enough. The reality of this new capitalist age for most of the working class was declining and fluctuating earnings, erratic employment, bad housing and a general decline in living standards. The commitment to capitalism and the free market allowed low wages and long hours as it was claimed market forces should determine wages and hours.

This economic hardship faced by the working classes provided the background to the social discontent and political reform movements. It also helped to create a solidarity among the working classes as they shared common social problems.

The 19th century began comfortably for Scotland, with the living standards of most Scots rising and continued urban and industrial development. This changed in 1812 or 1813 when the middle classes began to call for the abolition of poor relief. Simultaneously the idea of laissez-faire government began to take a hold. Any barrier to economic growth was swept away and the working classes were left in an economically insecure position. Their only means of effecting change was political action.

When the war with Napoleon and the French ended there was a revival of the political reform movement which had been viewed as treason during the hostilities. The end to conflict also brought more hardship as demobilised soldiers flooded back into Scotland looking for work. Combined with the influx of Highland and Irish immigrants already in the big cities this made competition for work fierce.

In October 1816 there was a large political meeting outside Glasgow at which 30,000 - 40,000 people gathered to demand reform. The unrest continued to grow, unsettling the government. The period from 1816-1817 saw unprecedented political activity, meetings and demonstrations were more frequent than ever before. In February the government ordered a large number of arrests, however the subsequent trials were a disaster and an embarrassment for the government as most of those arrested were set free.

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