General strike 1926 Flashcards
1
Q
Problems faced by mine owners after WW1
A
- Fall in demand for coal, making it less valuable
- Foreign countries such as Germany had more modern equipment as mines were owned by big, rich companies
2
Q
What happened on 15th April 1921
A
- Mine owners announced an extension of working day, as well as drop in wages
- Miners decided to strike
3
Q
What followed the miners striking
A
- Trades union congress called for all other industries to strike in solidarity
-however dockers and railway workers pulled out last minute, so miners forced to return to work
4
Q
What happened in 1925
A
- Price of coal fell AGAIN
5
Q
What did PM Baldwin do on 31 July 1925
A
- Subsidised the coal industry, and created set up Samuels commission
6
Q
What was job of Samuels Commission
A
- to reach an agreement between Miners and Mine owners
7
Q
What happened in April 1926
A
- Baldwin’s subsidy money ran out
8
Q
What happened 3rd may 1926
A
- General strike began
9
Q
Immediate effects of general strike
A
- Ships sat unloaded in docks
- Trains didn’t move
- Coal wasn’t mined
-country was in a standstill
10
Q
How long did the strike last for
A
9 days
11
Q
Actions of Strikers and trade unions congress during strike
A
- TUC Created newspaper to explain motivations of strike, and to remind strikers to remain peaceful
- Some strikers became violent and clashed with police
- TUC set up funds to help strikers to ensure strike carried on
12
Q
Government actions during strike
A
- Used emergency powers act to arrange for army to take over jobs
- encouraged 226,000 uni students to take over in heavy industries
- started a propaganda campaign using newspapers to turn public against strikers
- sent armoured vehicles to key cities to stop violent clashes between government supporters and strikers
13
Q
Consequences of strike on trade unions
A
- membership of unions fell
- government passes act in 1927 which made it illegal for unions to join together in strike action
- unions’ political power was weakened
