Rent strikes

Question 1

why did the rent strikes take place

Answer 1

1. The demand for housing rocketed which resulted in rents that landlords charged also rising
2. However, many homes were of a poor standard and in need of repair
3. Increases in rent, as well as the rising price of food meant those left at home were struggling financially

Question 2

What were the key events of the rent strikes

Answer 2

1. In Febuary 1915, local women formed the Glasgow Women’s Housing Association to resist rent rises
2. In May 1915 the first rent strike began and soon about 25,000 tenants in Glasgow joined in
3. The campaign was effectively organised by women who used propaganda and meetings to get their message across
4. Women blocked access to tenement closes to stop sherris officers evicting tenants
5. Women pelted sheriff officers with objects to prevent them from carrying out evictions (flour, decaying food and pulling their pants down)
6. The radicalisation of the women inspired male factory workers. They began to strike for wage increases, putting the government under pressure

Question 3

What were the results of the rent strikes

Answer 3

1. The Government responded with the Rent Restriction Act
2. This froze rent at 1914 levels unless improvements had been made to the property
3. The strikers demands had been met and wartime production was maintained without disruption