RADICAL WARS Tree of Liberty Paintings © Ken Currie, Reproduced courtesy of The People's Palace, Glasgow

The planting of the "Tree of Liberty" is symbolic of the stuggle for one person:one vote. The word "liberty" is repeated on a second banner and on the hat worn by the women in the central group who is reading Tom Paine's "The Rights of Man". Why do you think a tree has been chosen as a symbol of liberty? What is the significance of the candles on the lower branches and of the fruit in the upper branches? Why do you think the woman's hat is red? Tartan is again evident and the men planting the tree are members of the "Scottish Friends of the People" who promoted the cause of one person: one vote. Return to Panel Two and look at the group seated below the "Tree of Liberty". They illustrate the many groups which formed to read about and discuss revolution. This central grouping lies between the earlier, more violent and later, more peaceful, though violently suppressed, protesters.

Return to Panel Two