The Miners' Strike Flashcards
How long did the strike last?
51 weeks
What triggered the strike?
In March 1984, the closure of 20 pits was announced with 20,000 miners losing their jobs.
What did then NUM do?
They started a national strike even though their members were not given the chance to vote for one
What had the Conservatives been forced to do previously
Agree to the demands of the strikers to end the miners’ strike of 1972 and 1974 resulting in the loss of their power
What did the conservatives do when they were re-elected in 1979?
They passed new laws reducing the power of the unions, determined not to let them win again
Who represented the miners?
Arthur Scargill (leader of the NUM)
Who represented the government?
Margaret Thatcher
Where did the miners get money from?
The miners only got money for picketing. They also raised funds using posters, marches and leaflets organised by women
What did the government do to force the strikers to give up?
They fined the NUM as the strike was illegal so it had less money to support the strikers. They also didn’t pay the strikers any benefits
What did the miners do to stop people returning to work?
They ‘picketed’ mines and sometimes fought with the police.
What were ‘Flying Pickets’?
They moved around to strengthen other strikes
What did the government portray the strikers as?
A mob. They sent the police in to stop picketing.
What did the government do with resources?
They stockpiled them
What did the government say to divide the miners?
They promised them that their jobs were safe
How did the miners portray themselves through the media?
They showed themselves as fighting for survival against a government determined to destroy their livelihoods. They also used the media to show police violence and brutality
