My Masters builds on the work I did as an undergraduate from 1985-88. |
I've put this undergraduate dissertation through the AI NotebookLM Deep Dive Conversation and the result is remarkable. It's a very American take on my dissertation but that's fine as it's an interesting event. |
What it misses is the 'moral panic' in the 1880s over the White Slave Trade, which was, I argue, the first public anxiety over Europe. It was also the first event generated by what is recognised as New Journalism; journalism used to shape public opinion. I, of course, see parallels with recent events, particularly around Brexit. |
Here's the conversation: https://rob.st/4iGaNMz |
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About W.T. Stead |
W.T. Stead was a British journalist, editor, and social reformer. He is best known for his pioneering work in investigative journalism and his efforts to expose social evils, such as child prostitution and poverty. Stead was a prominent figure in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and his writings had a significant impact on public opinion and policy. |
Stead was born in 1849 in Embleton, Northumberland, England. He began his career as a journalist in the 1870s, working as a reporter and editor for various newspapers, including the Northern Echo and the Pall Mall Gazette. In 1885, he became the editor of the Pall Mall Gazette, where he gained a reputation for his exposés of social injustices and his advocacy for reform. |
One of Stead's most famous investigations was his 1885 series "The Maiden Tribute of Modern Babylon," which exposed the practice of child prostitution in London. The series caused a sensation and led to widespread outrage, prompting the government to raise the age of consent from 13 to 16. |
Stead was also a strong advocate for women's rights and social justice. He was a supporter of the women's suffrage movement and wrote extensively on issues such as poverty, inequality, and labour rights. He was also a pioneer of investigative journalism, using undercover reporting and other techniques to gather evidence and expose wrongdoing. |
Tragically, Stead's life was cut short when he died in the sinking of the Titanic in 1912. He was on his way to the United States to attend a conference on social reform when the ship went down. Stead's legacy as a journalist and social reformer continues to be celebrated today, and his work remains an important part of the history of investigative journalism. |
Timeline of Events |
1878: Alfred Dyer's pamphlet exposes the trafficking of English girls to continental brothels, leading to the formation of the London Committee for Suppressing the Traffic in English Girls, chaired by Benjamin Scott. |
1882: The House of Lords committee investigating the white slave trade issues its report, which forms the basis for the Criminal Law Amendment Bill. |
1883: The Corrupt and Illegal Practices Act is passed, reforming election practices. The first Criminal Law Amendment Bill is introduced but fails. |
1884: The Representation of the People Act expands the electorate. The Criminal Law Amendment Bill fails again. |
1885:January: The Industrial Remuneration Conference discusses social and economic issues, including socialism and poverty. February: Gladstone's government survives a vote of censure over the Sudan crisis. April: A watered-down Criminal Law Amendment Bill passes the House of Lords. Brothel-keeper Mary Jeffries is prosecuted. May 22: The Criminal Law Amendment Bill is stalled in the House of Commons. May 23: Benjamin Scott approaches W.T. Stead to champion the Bill. Stead begins his investigation. The Redistribution of Seats Act establishes modern constituencies. June 3: Stead purchases Eliza Armstrong, 13, to expose the ease of procuring young girls. June 8: Gladstone resigns over a budget defeat, leading to a caretaker government under Lord Salisbury and a forthcoming general election. July 4: The Pall Mall Gazette publishes a "Frank Warning" about its upcoming exposé. July 6-10: "The Maiden Tribute of Modern Babylon" is published in the Pall Mall Gazette, causing a sensation. July 9: The Criminal Law Amendment Bill is debated but no vote is taken. July 14: The Mansion House Committee is formed to investigate Stead's claims. July 21: Debate on the Criminal Law Amendment Bill is again delayed. July 22: Stead calls for public agitation to support the Bill. July 28: Stead praises the power of the press. July 31: Stead announces a Hyde Park demonstration. August 7: The Criminal Law Amendment Bill passes its third reading in the House of Commons. August 10: The Bill passes the House of Lords. August 14: The Criminal Law Amendment Act receives Royal Assent. August 18: Suffragettes announce participation in the Hyde Park demonstration. August 21: Conference held to establish the National Vigilance Association. August 22: Hyde Park demonstration attracts a large, diverse crowd. August 23: Eliza Armstrong is returned to her mother after staying with the Salvation Army in France. September 7: Stead and others are charged in connection with the Eliza Armstrong case. September 22: Stead supports the Social Democratic Federation's right to free speech amidst police persecution. October 3: Stead begins a national tour promoting vigilance committees and "moral legislators." November 4: Stead is found guilty of abduction and sentenced to three months in prison. November 18: General election held. Liberals win but no party has a clear majority. |
1886: |
January 18: Stead is released from prison. |
April 16: The Contagious Diseases Acts are repealed. |
May: Stead publishes "Government by Journalism." |
November: Stead publishes "The Future of Journalism." |
Cast of Characters |
W.T. Stead: Editor of the Pall Mall Gazette, crusading journalist, and driving force behind "The Maiden Tribute." A devout Nonconformist and social reformer, he believed in the power of the press and advocated for "government by journalism." |
Benjamin Scott: City Chamberlain and chair of the London Committee for Suppressing the Traffic in English Girls. He approached Stead to publicize the issue of child prostitution. |
Eliza Armstrong: A 13-year-old girl purchased by Stead to demonstrate the ease with which children could be procured for immoral purposes. Her abduction led to Stead's imprisonment. |
Rebecca Jarrett: A former prostitute working with the Salvation Army. She acted as Stead's agent in purchasing Eliza Armstrong and was also imprisoned. |
Josephine Butler: Social reformer and leading campaigner against the Contagious Diseases Acts. She influenced Stead and connected him with Jarrett. |
William Gladstone: Liberal Prime Minister who resigned shortly before "The Maiden Tribute" was published. Stead criticized him for not embracing the crusade. |
Lord Salisbury: Conservative leader who headed the caretaker government after Gladstone's resignation. |
Richard Cross: Home Secretary in the Salisbury government. He oversaw the passage of the Criminal Law Amendment Act and Stead's prosecution. |
George Cavendish-Bentinck: MP and staunch opponent of Stead's crusade. He repeatedly questioned the government about prosecuting Stead. |
Samuel Morley: MP who suggested the formation of a committee to investigate Stead's claims. |
Cardinal Manning: Catholic Cardinal who served on the Mansion House Committee. |
General Booth & Bramwell Booth: Leaders of the Salvation Army who initially supported Stead's campaign. Bramwell Booth was charged alongside Stead but acquitted. |
Catherine Booth: A leader in the Salvation Army who disagreed with Stead's distinction between vice and crime. |
Hugh Price Hughes: Editor of the Methodist Times who supported Stead and the idea of "moral legislators." |
Henry Labouchere: MP who introduced the amendment to the Criminal Law Amendment Bill that criminalized homosexual acts. |
William Morris: Socialist leader and member of the Social Democratic Federation. Stead supported the SDF's right to free speech. |
Howard Vincent: Former Director of Criminal Investigation at Scotland Yard who confirmed Scott's stories about child prostitution to Stead. |