Peterloo Massacre facts for kids

The Peterloo Massacre was a terrible event that happened in Manchester, England, on 16 August 1819. A large crowd of 60,000 to 80,000 people had gathered peacefully. They wanted to change how people were represented in the government.

However, soldiers on horseback, called cavalry, charged into the crowd. This caused a lot of panic and injuries. The event was named Peterloo to sound like the Battle of Waterloo. That famous battle had happened just four years earlier.

Why Did the Peterloo Massacre Happen?

After the Napoleonic Wars ended in 1815, times were very hard for many people. There was not enough food, and many people could not find jobs. This problem got worse because of new laws called the Corn Laws. These laws made bread and other food very expensive.

By 1819, people in northern England were very unhappy. They had no say in how the country was run. Most working-class people could not vote. They wanted to change the government so that more people could have a voice.

Calls for Change

A group called the Manchester Patriotic Union decided to hold a big meeting. They wanted to ask for changes to the voting system. They invited a famous speaker named Henry Hunt to talk to the crowd. He was known for speaking up for ordinary people.

What Happened on the Day?

On 16 August 1819, thousands of people came to St. Peter's Field. They came from all over the area, dressed in their best clothes. They were peaceful and excited to hear Henry Hunt speak.

Soon after the meeting started, local officials called for the military. They wanted to arrest Henry Hunt and break up the crowd. Soldiers on horseback rode into the unarmed people. They used their swords, called sabres.

The Tragic Outcome

The crowd panicked and tried to escape. In the chaos, 15 people were killed. Many more were badly hurt, between 400 and 700 people. This sad event became known as the Peterloo Massacre.

Images for kids

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  Samuel Bamford led a group from his hometown of Middleton to the meeting. After being put in prison, he became a strong voice for change.

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  The Peterloo Memorial in front of Manchester Central in 2019.

See also

In Spanish: Masacre de Peterloo para niños