Search

This article explores the connections between Chartism, the most important popular reform mobilization in nineteenth-century Britain, and the United States of America, a source of hope and inspiration for many British radicals of the period, by focusing on the ideas and publications of James Bronterre O'Brien. The article explains why Chartists admired America's political system and social condition, why Britain seemed to them to be so flawed and corrupt in comparison, and how O'Brien - Chartism's 'schoolmaster'- used America in his political activities. Despite his key role in Chartism, especially in its early stages, O'Brien's reputation suffered thereafter, and among historians he has attracted only limited interest. His career merits another look. This article highlights in particular the ways in which he endorsed and increased the relevance of America to British radicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While a good deal has been written about the contacts between British and continental reformers in 1848 and afterwards, the same cannot be said of the 1820s and 1830s. This article will investigate the involvement in European affairs of Thomas Perronet Thompson and John Bowring, two of the closest colleagues of the utilitarian philosopher Jeremy Bentham. This article has three main purposes: first, to establish the relevance to British radicalism of a European perspective, using Thompson and Bowring as exemplars who can be taken to represent one of the most important strands in the British radicalism of their day; secondly, to improve our understanding of reform agitation and ideologies in early nineteenth-century Britain and Europe; and, thirdly, in view of the customary focus of historians on 1848 and after, to begin to redress this imbalance in the historiography by drawing attention to the 1820s and 1830s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deals with the establishment and early history of the 'Westminster Review,' a radical periodical of early nineteenth-century Great Britain. Spotlight on the role of Thomas Perronet Thompson; Examination of editorial processes; Defense of Bethamite utilitarianism; Demands for political reform; Championship of liberal economics; Conflict with 'Edinburgh Review.'