Chartism by Thomas Carlyle

Chartism Reviews

• 
  Ron

  A scathing condemnation of the self-serving practices of Victorian era politicians and their laissez-faire policies which favoured the propertied class in amassing more wealth on the backs of their work-force.
  
  His contempt for their use of statistics to get the results they desire is still relevant.
  
  Carlyle shows the consequences of the vicious poor laws and exposes the image of the poor as lazy and degenerate as rhetoric condemning the masses protesting their situation. He warns them of the inevitable social eruptions if they continue to ignore the demands of the majority, as expressed in the Chartist movement, and offer them no other recourse to improve their lot but armed resistance.
  
  Carlyle is very astute in his observations, since Chartism, despite its initial failure as a political movement, inspired later political parties and reform movements, and many of their demands were implemented in the following decades.
• 
  Cordelia Patterson

  i guess this was an interesting read.. but im not doing a history degree so like why did i have to read it?
• 
  Artur

  A fairly interesting treatise on the matter of democracy and general social health of the British society in the 18th and 19th centuries. Basically, the main argument is that the democracy and general suffrage along with free market economy and Laissez-faire government practices are creating a dangerous self-supporting process to which more suffrage and more freedom are advertised as a cure. It explain Chartism and other suffrage and social reform movements as the direct result of certain policies of the preceding era that made the life of the lower classes worse while benefitting the higher ones, which is a pretty bold argument for the time it was written in. The book is composed in a bit of a baroque way with long sentences including a plead of metaphors, references to varying cultural phenomenons of its time which are a bit tedious to decipher at times, reading it almost two centuries later. It explains the problems well, but the solutions presented in the last chapter seem a bit lacklustre. Still, it is well worth reading if you're interested in critique of early capitalism and Victorian epoch.
• 
  c

  A surprisingly readable 180 year old book, Chartism provides fantastic political parallax across time, revealing the problems discussed in the 17th century are similar to today but skewed. Peering into this political time machine it appears issues fall to one political side or another randomly. This reading makes me reconsider if political views are primarily borne out of deep seated differences in principles, but rather social networks. We believe that which will least disturb our social connections and create discord, we then rationalize reasons for doing so. Political parties are a meta-phenomena of this. Carlyle held many repugnant views by the standards of today but I beseech you to reveal unto me an individual from that era without them. (anachronisms, self indulgent language, and pompous insights into human nature left intentionally for your displeasure)
• 
  Calm

  An easy read and fun look into history and politics of 18th century England.
• 
  noblethumos

  “Chartism" by Thomas Carlyle provides a comprehensive analysis of the social and political movement known as Chartism, which emerged in nineteenth-century Britain as a response to the working-class grievances and demands for political reform. Carlyle, a prominent Victorian essayist and historian, offers a critical examination of Chartism's origins, motivations, and outcomes, shedding light on the complexities of working-class politics during this transformative period. This review aims to provide an academic evaluation of Carlyle's arguments, discussing the book's strengths, weaknesses, and its significance within the fields of social history, political theory, and labor studies.
  
  
  In "Chartism," Carlyle explores the origins and development of the Chartists' movement, highlighting the social and economic conditions that fueled discontent among the working class. He delves into the Chartists' demands for political reform, including universal suffrage, secret ballots, and the establishment of a people's charter. Carlyle examines the movement's leaders, the nature of their appeals, and the response of the ruling elite and the government.
  
  One of the notable strengths of Carlyle's work lies in his meticulous research and vivid portrayal of the socio-political context of nineteenth-century Britain. He draws upon primary sources, historical events, and personal narratives to provide a nuanced understanding of the conditions that gave rise to Chartism and the diverse motivations behind its supporters. Carlyle's detailed analysis sheds light on the complexities of class struggle, political consciousness, and the aspirations of the working class during this period.
  
  
  Carlyle's deep engagement with the primary sources and his ability to capture the spirit of the era make "Chartism" a valuable contribution to the understanding of working-class politics in nineteenth-century Britain. His vivid descriptions and evocative language provide readers with a vivid sense of the tumultuous times and the aspirations of the Chartists.
  
  Furthermore, Carlyle's critique of the political establishment and the ruling elite reveals his empathy for the working-class struggle and his commitment to social justice. His exploration of the cultural and moral dimensions of Chartism adds depth to the historical analysis, making the book a rich resource for scholars interested in the intersection of politics, culture, and social movements.
  
  
  While Carlyle's work offers a comprehensive analysis of Chartism, some critics argue that his perspective is colored by his own biases and prejudices. His elitist views and paternalistic tone have drawn criticism for overshadowing the agency and diverse perspectives of the working-class movement. A more nuanced examination of the internal divisions, ideological debates, and competing visions within Chartism would have enhanced the book's analytical breadth.
  
  Additionally, scholars contend that Carlyle's limited engagement with the experiences and voices of women within Chartism neglects a crucial dimension of the movement. A more comprehensive analysis that incorporates the gendered aspects of the movement would provide a more nuanced understanding of its dynamics and goals.
  
  
  "Chartism" holds significant importance within the fields of social history, political theory, and labor studies. Carlyle's examination of the Chartists' movement sheds light on the social and political struggles faced by the working class in nineteenth-century Britain. The book's enduring significance lies in its ability to contribute to scholarly debates, challenge prevailing narratives, and inspire further research on the intersections of class, politics, and social change.
  
  
  "Chartism" by Thomas Carlyle provides a detailed and compelling analysis of the working-class movement in nineteenth-century Britain. Carlyle's meticulous research, vivid storytelling, and critical insights contribute to a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by the working class and the aspirations that drove the Chartists.
  
  GPT
• 
  David Todd

  The book is good, but the formatting stinks. They said this wasn't from an optical scan file. If so, why the errant running heads? Why all the typical optical sczn spelling errors?