Match Girls Strike

Question 1

When

Answer 1

July 1888

Question 2

Who

Answer 2

Factory workers from ‘Bryant and May’ with the support of ANNIE BESANT protested against the owners

Question 3

Why

Answer 3

Exploitation of the working class with low wages, in B&M they forced young girls to work 14hour shifts the fines for laziness making it impossible to escape. The factory used Phosphorous which was causing ‘phossy jaw’, it had been banned in the U.S. And Sweden but not the UK. The company would get girls to sign a contract saying they’re happy, if they didn’t they were fired.

Question 4

Annie

Answer 4

The girls spoke to a young journalist called Annie Besant and she helped them by writing an article entitled ‘White Slavery’ in ‘The Link’. The girls gained the support of the press, The Pall Mall Gazette, And the Salvation Army called for a boycott.

Question 5

Events

Answer 5

1400 went on strike to support the sacked workers, this went on for 3 weeks and the Match Girls’ Union was set up. It was the first strike by unskilled workers to gain national publicity. 50 girls visited the Houses of Parliament to speak to MPs.

Question 6

Result

Answer 6

B&M rehired workers and abolished the fine system. Stopped use of Phosphorus in 1901. 1891 the Salvation Army opened its own factory and paid more. The Match Girls Union lasted until 1903

Question 7

Impact

Answer 7

1889 Gas Workers Union won an 8 hour day