The General Strike Flashcards
What year was the General Strike?
1926
What were Britain’s heavy industries like during the First World War?
They enjoyed high output and a dramatic increase in people working for them.
What had happened to all coal mines during the war?
They had all been nationalised.
Why had all miners hoped that they would continue to be owned by the country?
The government would be obliged to invest money, thus their jobs would be safe.
Why was the future not looking good for Britain’s mining industry after 1918?
There was a fall in the demand for coal.
What 2 options did mine owners have to dramatically reduce costs?
-Closing down mines that were inefficient to concentrate on the mines that made the most money
-Starting to introduce new automatic machinery so fewer men were needed
What 2 factors put British coal mine owners further into crisis?
-Foreign competition
-A lack of modern technology
Give an example of a country with good coal production and why?
Germany had more modern equipment, as they were owned by big companies that could invest lots of money in new technology.
What did unions want about mines?
They wanted the government to re-nationalise the mines; the mines needed investment.
When was ‘Black Friday’?
Friday 15 April 1921
What 2 things did mine owners announce on Black Friday?
-Extension of the working day
-Drop in wages
How did the miners feel about Black Friday and what did they do?
They were outraged and decided to strike.
What is the TUC?
Trade Union Congress.
What did the TUC do, worried that other employers would do the same as the mine owners?
They called other industries out on strike in solidarity.
Who pulled out at the last minute before striking after Black Friday?
Why?
The railway and dockers’ unions pulled out, as they did not feel the immediate concerns as the miners did. They were not as worried for their jobs.
What happened as a result of railway and dockers’ unions pulling out?
The miners felt that they had no other option but to return to work with longer days and for lower wages.
What happened to the price of coal in 1925 and what did mine owners do?
They fell again and the mine owners declared further changes to hours and pay.
Who was the Prime Minister in 1925?
Stanley Baldwin.
What did Baldwin believe would happen when the mine owners made further changes to hours and pay in 1925?
He knew that the other unions would support the miners this time.
When was ‘Red Friday’?
Friday 31 July 1925