The Birth of Romantic Radicalism: War, Popular Politics and English Radical Reformism, 1800–1815

Popular radicalism was repressed in Britain in the 1790s, perceived as inspired by the French Revolution and therefore disloyal, but by 1809 it was the most respected voice of opposition to Tory policies in the House of Commons and the country. This is an account of the transformation, concentrating on the relationship between political activity, popular opinion, international affairs and constitutional reform. It is also an attack on the Whig, Marxist and revisionist assertions as to the nature of popular radicalism. Most importantly, it is an appraisal of the way in which radicalism became more popular by adopting the rhetoric of romanticism, the language of the elite, and so was able to criticise the government and national institutions 'from within' without fear of accusations of treason. Finally it is an explanation of the failure of romanticism as a political idea, and how it provoked a class-based split between Free traders and Chartists.