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Basic reasons for the failure of Chartism

The main problem was how to achieve a revolutionary goal by constitutional means.

• It failed to obtain parliamentary support for the Charter.
• The middle-classes either ignored, shunned or condemned Chartism.
• Chartists were divided among themselves.
• Government handled the movement firmly and calmly.
• Chartist demands were too drastic.
• There was too much diversity in the intellectual and ideological aims of Chartism.
• Other movements offering more immediate and tangible benefits attracted chartists.
• The socio-economic position improved after 1842. Prosperity eliminated mass support.
• Chartism and the Chartists were made to look ridiculous after Kennington Common, and the failure of the Land Plan.
• The changing sociology of England after railways fragmented the 'unity' of the working classes.
• Chartism tore itself apart

Other views on the failure of Chartism