A study into how the British political system has changed since 1750, and what has stayed the same. In this unit you will look a range of case studies of political protest, to find out how and why people have stood up against the government over the past 250+ years. You will also develop key skills ​that you will use throughout your school life and beyond!
Overview 1. How has the British political system changed since 1750?
In the first few lessons, you will look at an overview of 250 years, to analyse how the political system today compares to the system in 1750. Who had the power? How did people vote? Was the system fair?
Depth 1. Was there a massacre at Peterloo?
In this investigation, you will analyse sources to try to find out whether or not the soldiers were guilty of murdering protestors at St Peter's Fields in Manchester, 1819, or whether they were simply trying to stop a violent crowd from attacking them. You will complete your assessment on these sources, and using your own knowledge. Following this, you will learn about the Chartists, a group of political protestors, linked to the events at Peterloo.
2 Which of your sources is the most reliable for giving us accurate information, and why?
Depth 2. Suffragists or Suffragettes?
In this case study, you will look at the different forms of protest undertaken by the peaceful Suffragists and their more active counterparts, the Suffragettes. You will explore their aims, motives and achievements over time, and take part in some role play activities to help you understand their actions.
3 Why is democracy so important? How does it tie in with our Tallis character?
You will finish this unit by looking at a range of modern politics protests from the 20th and 21st Century, and finally looking back to where we started, in 1750, to consider how much things have changed, and why.
3 Read or watch the news to find out if people are currently protesting about anything, and if so, what?