Trades Union militancy 1915-27 Flashcards
How did WW1 change Britain?
Fundamentally
- politically, economically and socially
Where was Britains wealth built from?
Heavy industry - iron production and coal mining
How many lives were lost in the war?
820,000
How much of the workforce did working-class labourers make up?
70%
Why were the 1920’s hard times?
After the post-war economic boom, industrial output collapsed.
SO employers sought to reduce wages
Why was the general strike called?
1926 - coal industry reached breaking point.
When did trade unions rise in popularity?
1915-26
What government was in charge when the general strike occurred?
Stanley Baldwin’s conservative government.
Did WW1 increase or decrease influence of trade unions?
Increase.
1913 = 4,189,000
1919 = 8,081,000 workers in trade unions
What are trade unions?
- sought to unite workers
- lobbied for improved working conditions
What was an industrial consequence of the war?
Many industries NATIONALISED:
- removed business owners
- allowed trade unions direct impact and negotiations with govt
Why did the government have to cooperate with the wishes of trade unions?
To ensure industrial output remained constant - especially vital in and just after WW1
How much of the population was conscripted to fight in the war?
Out of 15 million workers:
- almost 5 million to the army
- 407,000 to the navy
- around 300,000 for airforce
HUGE portions of workforce out of action = huge strain
Examples of July 1915 decrease in industrial output
Mining produce down 21.8 percent
Engineering down 30 percent
Consequence of war and falling industrial output 1914-1918
Cost of living goes wayyyyyy up
- housing
- food
- industrial and consumer goods
What did the coal miners do by March 1915?
- demanding 20% increase in wages!
The high demand for industrial workers meant the government were incentivised to appease workers and therefore the trade unions
What did the lack of industrial workers during the war mean for Trade Unions?
- trade unions in a strong position to negotiate for improved working conditions and increased wages from 1915-1918
Who were at the forefront of uniting trade union militancy?
Ernest Bevin and James Thompson
When did the trade unionist realise they had the collaborate and coordinate industrial unrest to have a greater impact?
Before the war.
