People of England - document from the Enoch Wood scrapbook

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Date:1803 - 1804 (c.)

Description:A restless and ambitious Usurper

Broadsheet outlining the dangers posed to Great Britain by Napoleon Bonaparte and the French army.

Napoleon had fought many successful land wars with the monarchies of Europe and his Empire was expanding rapidly.

Fear of an attack on Great Britain was growing.

This broadsheet was printed shortly after Hanover was taken by the French in 1803. Hanover was ruled by the King of England (George III) at the time. A reference is made to this in the document.

I have seen the CONTINENTAL POSSESSIONS OF OUR KING OVERRUN AND SUBDJUGATED by the same enemy who now threatens the British shores.

Assemble together in your towns and give the throne your assurance of support

The aim of the publication was to create widespread hatred and fear of Napoleon and to generate unity, patriotism and a heightened a sense of duty within people.

Examples of famous past victories over France are quoted.

All of this was designed to make the hardship of war easier to swallow. Higher taxes to pay for war may be less objectionable in a climate of fear. Volunteers for the armed forces would possibly enlist in higher numbers.

About this document

This document was printed in Newcastle-under-Lyme. It was collected by local industrialist Enoch Wood and is now among the collections at Stoke-on-Trent Museums.

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