What were the reasons for the failure of the General Strike?

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Why did the actions of Stanley Baldwin's gov lead to the failure of the strike?
They took a no-negotiation stance. Very different to previous strike actions where there had been compromise on both sides.
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In what ways were the government well prepared for strike action?
They had used the 9 months to prepare by setting up the Organisation for the maintenance of supplies, ready to operate during a general strike, the gov weakened the strike by calling on citizens to fill the jobs of those on strike
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Give some examples of the ways in which middle class citizens filled the jobs of strikers and why they did this?
they worked in electricity plants, driving lorries and other key jobs - some saw it as a way to oppose socialism, for others it was just an adventure.
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How many special police officers were recruited?
226,000
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What was Labour's stance on the strike and what effect did this have?
They did not support the strike like the TUC had expected. McDonald saw it as a foolish decision. This weakened the strike
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Why was the involvement of printers unions in the strike a problem for the TUC?
The media could have been a tool for the TUC but few newspapers were printed because there was no one to print them!
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How did the conservative government take a more aggressive role regarding the media?
They used their journal, 'the british gazette' to publish anti strike propaganda, bought up all supplies of paper preventing the TUC newspapers from printing, attempted to dominate the BBC but the BBC defended its role as an independent broadcaster
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What was TUC leadership like and why did it lead to the failure of the strike?
It was confused and weak- they were worried that a universal strike would lead to violence so they attempted a two wave movement without the control needed to achieve this.
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What were created as a result of the chaotic nature of TUC leadership?
400-500 councils of action across the country with varying policies and support.
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What could stronger TUC leadership have created?
More unity!
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How did public opinion lead to the failure of the general strike?
middle class turned against the strike due to gov. propaganda, fear of communism created a real fear of the TUC - several acts of violence against communist supporters, violence destroyed the legitimacy of the strikers
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When was the Trades disputes act passes and what did it mean for strikes?
1927-banned sympathetic strikes meaning that future strikes would be limited to only the affected unions
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How was TUC membership affected as a result of the general strike?
The TUC was completely weakened- membership fell from 5.5 million to 3.75 million - many workers did not trust industrial action
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How were relations between the trades affected by the failure of the general strike?
They were damaged as the decision of the TUC was seen as a betrayal of the miners
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How were miners affected by the outcome of the general strike?
The gov. suspended the 7 hours act for 5 years. Mine owners cut wages and reintroduced 8hr working days
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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

In what ways were the government well prepared for strike action?

Back

They had used the 9 months to prepare by setting up the Organisation for the maintenance of supplies, ready to operate during a general strike, the gov weakened the strike by calling on citizens to fill the jobs of those on strike

Card 3

Front

Give some examples of the ways in which middle class citizens filled the jobs of strikers and why they did this?

Back

Preview of the front of card 3

Card 4

Front

How many special police officers were recruited?

Back

Preview of the front of card 4

Card 5

Front

What was Labour's stance on the strike and what effect did this have?

Back

Preview of the front of card 5
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