Failure of Chartism

History Essay Why, by 1846, were the Chartists unable to convince parliament for the need for reform whereas the Anti-Corn Law League were able to do so. The failure of Chartism can largely be blamed on the lack of strength of the movement, inherent weaknesses, dependency on economic depression and poor leadership. Using the experiences of Chartism the leaders of the Anti-Corn Law League were able to build a stronger movement, eradicating many of the problems …

…conduct their campaign with far greater strength and ascertain far greater support than the dis-unified, poorly led Chartist movement. This convincing unity, and the undoubted strength of their claim following the disasters of 1845-6, was far more than the chartist could ever lay claim to, and can therefore be said to be the main reason for the success of the Anti-Corn Law League, the changes parliament made, and the relative failure of the Chartist movement.