The Jarrow Crusade

Question 1

Why was Jarrow the worst affected town during the Depression?

Answer 1

Almost all the people in the town relied on Palmers Shipyard for their livelihood. The shipyard’s decline led to huge unemployment in the town.

Question 2

What was the highest point unemployment reached in Jarrow?

Answer 2

80% unemployed

Question 3

When was Palmers Shipyard closed down?

Answer 3

1934

Question 4

Why did Palmers Shipyard struggle so much during the 1930s?

Answer 4

• After WWI, few warships were being built
• Orders for ships dried up by the 1930s
• The shipyard was too small for the type of ship that was being built

Question 5

Give two social consequences of the closure of the shipyard on the town of Jarrow

Answer 5

• Death rates were far higher than national average
• Infant mortality rates were far higher than national average
• Malnutrition was widespread in the town

Question 6

What year was the Jarrow March?

Answer 6

1936

Question 7

What was the aim of the march?

Answer 7

To march from Jarrow to London to raise awareness of the plight of the town and take a petition to government, asking for support.

Question 8

Why were the government not very sympathetic towards the Jarrow March?

Answer 8

1) Previous marches had been led by communists, such as Will Hannington. The govt. hated communism.
2) Previous hunger marches had often led to violent clashes with the streets

Question 9

Who was Prime Minister in 1936?

Answer 9

Stanley Baldwin

Question 10

Who did not support the Jarrow March and why?

Answer 10

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) and the Labour Party. They believe they brought bad publicity to the labour movement and the problems faced by the unemployed.

Question 11

Who went on the march?

Answer 11

200 men from Jarrow, as well as local MP, Ellen Wilkinson and some town councillors

Question 12

How far was the march and how many stages was it completed in?

Answer 12

450 kilometres, in 22 stages

Question 13

Why did the marchers wear smart clothes and ensure they were clean shaven?

Answer 13

So people would think they were respectable and not out to cause trouble, but rather be taken seriously.

Question 14

How were the marchers received as they made their way south?

Answer 14

With great support and sympathy. People gave them free food, offered them places to stay, and repaired their shoes free of charge.

Question 15

How were the marchers received by the government?

Answer 15

There was very little support or sympathy from the govt.

Question 16

In what ways was the Jarrow March a success?

Answer 16

• It improved the public image of hunger marches (some of which had been violent previously).
• The Jarrow marchers were praised by the police for being so well organised and disciplined

Question 17

In what ways was the Jarrow March a failure?

Answer 17

Stanley Baldwin, the Prime Minister, refused even to comment on the petition and did nothing to help Jarrow