General strike 1926

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  • Created by: MonsurAli
  • Created on: 15-06-17 10:05
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  • General strike 1926
    • Reasons for strike
      • Gold standard 1925: Value of the pound was tied to gold. This appreciated the pound, causing British industry to sell less as our goods were more expensive. Went from $3.40 to $4.86. Loss of £2.1mn
      • Coal mines issues: very dangerous - 1922-24 3600 miners killed and 600k injured. Industry had 1 million workers. Britain was dependent on coal: 90% of our energy.
      • Owners wanted to reduce wages and increase hours. They also did not want to modernise due to high costs.
      • Samuel report: argued wage cuts were essential to save jobs, but he opposed long hours. Also opposed nationalisation. Miners rejected this. Mine owners responded to opposition with lock outs.
      • Govt: Baldwin refused to negotiate with TUC - led to more 'fire eaters' e.g. Churchill.
    • Events
      • 1925: Miners opposed wage cuts and longer hours. Govt offers to subsidise wages. Samuel Commission was set up.
        • 1926: Owners declare lock-out of the mines. Govt proclaims a state of emergency.
          • Last minute talks between TUC and Baldwin. 3rd May the General strike begins. It lasts for 9 days.
    • Results of strike
      • Workers
        • Failure as they had to accept longer hours and lower wages. Many strikers faced penalties and forced to sign settlements. Mining industry became less efficient.
        • Trade unions: powers reduced; cost unions 1 million each. 1927 Trades Disputes act made strikes illegal and they had to pay for lost labour. Trade union membership fell below 1 million.
      • Govt
        • Conservatives: handling of the strike was praised by middle and upper class. Unions turned against them and was why Labour won in 1929.
        • Labour: did not harm them. Macdonald did not associate themselves with them making them not look radical.

Comments

RezwanAhmed

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4 stars, should've included months for the year 1926.

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