... with repression and it's believed by many that what was thought to be the threat of revolution in the 1790s is best seen as a "panic reaction amongst some of the propertied classes as a result of the intensification and growing violence of events across the channel" (Peaple & Lancaster). On reflection, rather than inspiring radical protest, the French Revolution encouraged its suppression, although it did play an important role in the political awakening of the lower classes as the radical ideology of liberty, equality and brotherhood was derived from French example. Throughout this period the industrial revolution was taking place and many of the emerging cities had no MPs. A new wealthy 'middle class' of manufacturers and merchants were frustrated to find the system so biased against them. It created new problems and tensions for industrial workers, and many believed a change in the political system would be the ...

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