Origins of the General Strike 1926

Question 1

What was the economic situation in 1926?

Answer 1

1. Business leaders cut £12 million weekly from the nation’s wage bill, yet British competitiveness did not increase.
2. Increased unemployment due to wage reductions.
3. Many owners had failed to invest in new and efficient production techniques during WW1. As a result of this and the heavy domestic demand for coal, there was a loss of overseas markets.