Chartism was launched in 1838 by a series of large-scale meetings in Birmingham, Glasgow and the north of England. A huge mass meeting was held on Kersal Moor near Salford, Lancashire, on 24 September 1838 with speakers from all over the country.

Who came up with chartism?

Chartists' petition

In 1838 a People's Charter was drawn up for the London Working Men's Association (LWMA) by William Lovett and Francis Place, two self-educated radicals, in consultation with other members of LWMA.

What caused chartism?

Chartism was triggered off by the failure of the Ten Hour movement to achieve a satisfactory Factory Act, the failure of anti-Poor Law campaign and the failure of Trade Unionism.