1828: The Friendly Society of Agricultural Labourers is formed to improve workers' wages and conditions.

1834: The Tolpuddle Labourers form a union to protest low wages.

1834: The local police arrest the six men for forming a secret oath, accused of conspiracy.

1834: The men are tried and sentenced to seven years' transportation to Australia.

1835: Public outrage grows over the harsh punishment; protests begin.

1836: The government reduces their sentences to transportation for four years.

1837: The men arrive in Australia.

1838: Campaigns in Britain demand their return; they are eventually pardoned in 1840.

1840: The Martyrs return to Britain and become symbols of workers' rights.

Question: Explain why the case of the Tolpuddle Martyrs became a symbol for workers' rights and legal reform.

Source: Historian John Smith argues, “The Martyrs’ case highlighted the unfair treatment of workers and inspired future efforts to improve workers’ rights.”

Source: A report from the 1840s states, “Their pardon marked a turning point in the recognition of workers’ organizing rights.”

Question: Analyse the long-term effects of the Tolpuddle Martyrs’ case on laws related to workers’ rights and trade unions in Britain.

Source: An excerpt from a 19th-century legal reform document states, “The Martyrs’ campaign contributed to the development of laws that protected trade union activities.”