The Peterloo Massacre with Robert Poole
Interviews
•
28m
The Peterloo Massacre was a critical moment in the reform movement at the start of the 19th century. Thousands of people gathered at St Peter's Fields near Manchester to protest for an expansion of the franchise. The local magistrates summoned yeomanry to dispel what they saw as a riot, but as they waded into the crowd to arrest the leaders, the protest quickly became a massacre, as the yeomanry used their sabres to force their way through. Most accounts believe the repression that followed Peterloo ensured that it had no impact on the pace of reform. However, Robert Poole, a Professor of History at the University of Central Lancashire, argues that this was a key turning point in the reform movement, and its legacy was integral in forcing concessions ten years later, when the radical movement re-emerged.
Up Next in Interviews
-
The German Invasion of Poland with Ro...
The German invasion of Poland in September 1939 is often seen as a contest between the might of Hitler's war machine and an antiquated Polish military. But this perception of a modern, German force sweeping aside a fragile, backward enemy is far from the truth. Dan sat down with Roger Moorhouse t...
-
The Seven Deadly Sins: With Stephen Fry
Actor, writer and legendary broadcaster Stephen Fry joins Dan to talk about the 7 Deadly Sins.
-
The Fall of the Berlin Wall with Rory...
9 November 1989 was one of the most significant dates in 20th century history. The Berlin Wall fell, changing the entire geopolitical situation and marking the start of the decline of Russia's world standing. Author Rory MacLean was present when the Wall fell, and he talks about the jubilation of...
