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POLITICAL MOVEMENTS IN ENGLAND
DURING the French Revolution, 174 especially during its earlier stages, there was a corresponding movement in England. This was partly an intellectual matter, led by a few aristocrats—like the Earl of Stanhope—and had no connection with the life of the people; it was rather a piece of aristocratic Bohemianism, a tendency to which has been seen in various times, even our own. But it was partly a popular ferment in sympathy with the general spirit of the French Revolution, was widespread, and was looked upon as dangerous by the Government, who repressed the agitation with a high-handed 175 severity which would seem almost incredible in our times.
The French Revolution naturally brought about a great reaction, not only in absolutist countries, but also in England, the country of Constitutionalism; and this reaction was much furthered and confirmed by the fall of Napoleon and the restoration of the Bourbons in France, and all the doings and incapacities of the Holy Alliance. We may take as representative names of this reaction the Austrian Prince Metternich on the Continent and Lord Castlereagh in England. The stupid and ferocious repression of the governments acting under this influence, as well as the limitless corruption by which they were supported, were met in England by a corresponding progressive agitation, which was the beginning of Radicalism. Burdett and Cartwright are representatives of the early days of this agitation, and later on Hunt, Carlile, Lovett, and others. William Cobbett must also be mentioned as belonging to this