Interpretations of the Tolpuddle Martyrs and Industrial Crime

History
Year 9 / GCSE / Grade 8
5 questions
~10 mins
1 views0 downloads

About This Worksheet

This worksheet explores different interpretations of the Tolpuddle Martyrs, encouraging students to compare historian perspectives and evaluate their arguments about industrial crime and workers' rights.

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Interpretations of the Tolpuddle Martyrs and Industrial Crime

Subject: HistoryGrade: Year 9 / GCSE / Grade 8
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Untitled Worksheet

Grade Year 9 / GCSE / Grade 8
A

Interpretations of the Tolpuddle Martyrs

Historian A: E.P. Thompson – Social Perspective "E.P. Thompson argues that the Tolpuddle Martyrs were true heroes of the working class, fighting for their rights against unfair laws and oppressive authorities. He emphasizes the social injustice faced by rural workers and sees their trial as part of a broader struggle for social justice and workers' rights. Thompson highlights the importance of their sacrifice in inspiring future labour movements and views their punishment as a reflection of the oppressive social order of the time. His interpretation focuses on the Martyrs as victims of unjust social and legal systems."

Historian B: David Smith – Legal and Political Perspective "David Smith contends that the Tolpuddle Martyrs were primarily political agitators who aimed to threaten the established social order. He suggests their formation of a friendly society and their subsequent trial were driven by political motives to undermine government authority and suppress trade unions. Smith emphasizes the legality of their actions and views their punishment as necessary to maintain law and order. His interpretation portrays the Martyrs as troublemakers, rather than victims of injustice, emphasizing the importance of law in society."

Questions:

1.
Summarize each historian's perspective on the Tolpuddle Martyrs. (4 marks)
[4 marks]
2.
Explain why these two historians have different views about the Martyrs. (5 marks)
[5 marks]
3.
Evaluate which interpretation you find more convincing and explain why. (6 marks)
[6 marks]
4.
Compare the possible sources of bias in each historian’s interpretation. (4 marks)
[4 marks]
5.
Outline the importance of understanding different interpretations when studying historical events. (3 marks)
[3 marks]

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Details

Created
1/1/2026
Updated
1/1/2026
Type
worksheet