Challenge from militant labour?

How was there growing unrest?

Miners went on strike and attacking property, so cavalry were called out to protect the mine-owners.

How did industrial strife worsen in the early twentieth century, especially 1910-14?

In 1912, King George V felt the danger of disorder was so great that he cancelled a foreign visit and wrote to Churchill for advice.

They both knew several European governments had been overthrown by revolutions in the nineteenth century e.g Russia 1905.

What happened as a result of fear of growing unrest?

Gunsmiths in London ran out of revolvers, as worried people armed themselves.

Many were willing to risk their lives for a socialist revolution.

What did workers realise during the 19th century?

That they had no rights at work. If they complained, they were sacked. But, if large numbers complained or went on strike, the employer had to listen to keep the business going.

What was the impact of trade unions?

Formed to organise mass strength and ensure fairer wages and conditions.

At first only skilled workers joined trade unions as they had enough money to pay a union subscription. Unskilled workers were usually too poor.

What event helped to allow unskilled workers to join trade unions?

The London Dock Strike 1889. Three men emerged as leaders - John Burns, Ben Tillett and Tom Mann. All were socialist trade unionists. Burns and Tillett became MP’s.

What did syndicalists argue?

That trying to improve lives of working people through political action was a waste of time. Believed political action was in the hands of the middle and upper classes and favoured their interests.

Argued that trade unions should act together in a large strike of millions of workers. Would bring country to a halt.

How much did trade union membership increase between 1911 and 1914?

1911 - 1.6 million.

1914 - 2.7 million

What had happened between 1906 and 1910?

Food prices had risen by 25%. This period has been labelled as ‘the Great Unrest’.

How had miners become particularly militant by 1910?

At Tonypandy, during the south Wales miners strike of 1910-11, strikers clashed with police, with hand to hand fighting in streets. A 3 day riot broke out. Winston Churchill sent in cavalry.

What happened as a result of seamen going on strike in 1911?

Meat in unloaded ships began to stink, butter went rancid and vegetables rotted. Navl gunboats were sent to keep order.

What was the National Miners’ strike 1912?

• Members of miners’ trade unions on strike for ‘fives and twos’ (5s for a man and 2s for a boy).

• John Cairns, a miner, expressed mix of frustration at their treatment by mine owners and their aspirations for a better life.

• British industry grind to a halt. Asquith reluctantly called to grant their wage increase.

What was formed in 1914?

The ‘Triple Alliance’ between the Miners, transport workers and the railwaymen. Together they had the power to bring the country to a halt, and they knew it.

What did the Triple Alliance do when the war started?

Had the ideal opportunity to bring down government with a strike but leaders chose not to and turned efforts to fighting or keeping industry running in this time of national crisis.