Loyalists
Spies, defense from sedition, and the "swinish multitudes"
by Sara Millhouse
Introduction
One of the most often told historical narratives of 1790s Britain is one
of an exciting, potentially revolutionary moment. Thomas Paine's The
Rights of Man is disseminated through radical artisans' societies,
sailers agitate for higher pay, and revolution is threatening in Ireland.
This moment, however, fails to realize its revolutionary potential because
of repressive government action,
especially legislation such as the two "Gagging" Acts, the Treasonable and
Seditious Practices Act, and the Seditious Meetings Acts. This reading is
a
romantic one whose popularity is easily understood, considering that
reformers and radicals argued for such widely accepted modern values as
universal suffrage and an end to rampant electoral corruption. Historians
have tended, therefore, to focus on reform and radical movements to which
they are sympathetic. In the words of Robert R. Dozier, "[w]e know
practically nothing about the activities of tens,
perhaps hundreds of thousands of Englishmen who rallied to the defense of
English institutions and values during the early years of the French
Revolution"
(vii).
In response to this
radical emphasis, Dozier and some other later historians stressed the
rationality of government
response in view of perceived threats to the state, its success in
maintaining British stability during wartime, and the popular quality of
loyalist anti-revolutionary movements. "In a speculative sense one can
view the loyal association movement as a major reason why England avoided
at this time the French precedent of resorting to revolution to effect
change," writes Dozier
(101).
However, the activities of loyalist individuals and associations outside
of the doors of Parliament are still considerably less understood than
those of their more reform-minded counterparts. This site, while not
taking an
intentional stand on historical debates, attempts to guide users through
the sources available for exploring loyalism in 1790s Britain, especially
in exploring the connections between government activities and
popular action. And, though it may go without saying that history teaches
us much about our current world, the conflicting ideals of 1790s Britain
seem especially relevant to current debates waged in both the houses of
government and "out of doors," through other avenues of action and
interaction. After over 200 years, the definitions of, and the actions
justifiable in the name of, concepts such as security, patriotism, and
liberty remain embattled, and these battles seem unlikely to disappear in
the foreseeable future.
For more information, click on one of the following links.
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