Trade Unions 1918-21

Why did the 40-hour movement develop?

Reduce unemployment after WW1

Which union backed the 40-hour movement?

British Seafarers Union led by Manny Shinwell

Give two reasons government feared revolution in 1919.

International revolutions; socialist rhetoric; large protests

Give two arguments Red Clydeside was revolutionary.

Political aims; riots; broad support; revolutionary leaders

Give two arguments Red Clydeside was not revolutionary.

Mainly economic aims; limited scale; localised; moderate unions

Give one trade union success in 1919.

Railway strike kept pay and hours; miners pay rise

What was the Sankey Commission?

Investigated mining; recommended nationalisation and 7-hour day

Why did miners feel betrayed?

Government ignored recommendations

What happened to the economy after WW1?

Boom until late 1920

Why did trade union activity increase after WW1?

Protect gains; worsening economy; influence of Russian Revolution

What date was Black Friday?

15 April 1921

Why did miners strike before Black Friday?

Locked out over pay cuts

What happened on Black Friday?

Other unions refused support due to low success chances

Give three government actions against unions 1919-21.

Committees; Emergency Powers Act; stockpiling; troops; appeasement

What was the aim of Councils of Action?

Prevent war against Soviet Union 1920

Give two union improvements after Black Friday.

TUC General Council; amalgamated unions

Give three reasons unions declined after 1921.

Black Friday; unemployment; government action; victimisation; loss of influence