Chapter 11- General Strike Flashcards
What was the cause of the General Strike in 1926?
-Britain’s output had been high with lots of people working in industry.
-Coal mines were nationalised, but were returned to private owners afterwards.
-After 1918, there was a a fall in demand for coal.
-British coal mining then struggled further because mines in countries like Germany and the USA had more modern equipment.
-Due to British mines not being able to compete, the unions called for the mines to be re-nationalised.
-On 15th April 1921, Black Friday, the mine owners announced longer working hours but a drop in wages.
-The miners decided to strike, but without the support of other big unions they had to go back to work or lose their jobs.
What did the government do in response to the price of coal dropping
-Fearing a General Strike would occurs after the price of coal fell in 1925 and the workers faced a further wage cut, the government subsidised the coal industry.
-In April 1926, the government subsidy ran out and so the TUC (Trades Union Congress) agreed to strike and on 3rd May 1926, Britain’s first General Strike began. It lasted for 9 days with both sides using various tactics.
What were the Government’s actions in response to the general strike
-The army and university students took over essential jobs in industry.
-Used the British newspaper, ‘The British Gazette’ as propaganda to turn the public against the strike.
-The army stopped the violent crashes between the strikers and the government.
What were the actions from the TUC?
-The strikers travelled to picket other industries and at time clashed violently with the police.
-Used their newspaper ‘The British Worker,’ to explain reasons from the strike.
-Set up funds to feed the families of strikers to help keep the strike going.
What was the result of the Trade Union reform?
-Eventually, the General Strike ended on 12th May 1926.
-The government won, as the unions ran out of money and the Labour Party and the Labour Party did not support the strike.
-Miners had to return to work for lower wages and longer hours.
-The government passed the Trades Disputes and Trades Unions Act, 1927. It stopped unions joining together to strike or pay funds to a political party.
What was the consequences of the Trade Union reform?
-1972 and 1974, National Union of Miners vote for coal strikes which lead to three-day week.
-1979, conservatives come to power under Margaret Thatcher; begin to challenge power of unions.
-1980 and 1982, Employment Acts introduced, unlawful for someone to be fired because they are not in a union, gives employers more power to fire striking employees.
-1984, Miners’ Strike, government introduces Trade Union Act, making it harder to strike legally.
-1985, Miners’ Strike ends; government has control over trade unions.
