3 - Hunger marches

History

What was the National Unemployed Workers' Movement (NUWM)?

The NUWM was set up to organise protests against unemployment and the Means Test, which became known as hunger marches.

What was the aim of the October 1932 hunger march from Rhondda?

The aim of the October 1932 hunger march was to present a petition to the government against the Means Test and unemployment benefit cuts.

How many marchers participated in the October 1932 hunger march, and how many were from Rhondda?

2500 marchers participated, with 375 from Rhondda.

How did the government respond to the October 1932 Hunger March?

The government was so concerned that it sent spies and police to keep an eye on the marchers. Force was used to confiscate their petition.

What happened in February 1935 in Rhondda, Aberdare, and Pontypool?

In February 1935, large scale marches against benefit cuts took place in Rhondda, Aberdare, and Pontypool, and the UAB offices in Merthyr Tydfil were attacked and ransacked by a group of women.

What happened during the October 1936 Hunger March?

In October 1936, 504 marchers from south Wales set off for London. They were backed by the Labour Party and protested against unemployment and benefit cuts.

How did the public react to the October 1936 Hunger March?

The public showed great sympathy towards the marchers by offering them free meals, tea, shoe repairs, and places to stay in church halls during their journey.

What was the Jarrow Crusade, and why was it organized?

The Jarrow Crusade was organized in 1936 after the closure of Palmer's Shipyard in Jarrow, which caused mass unemployment. The goal was to secure a new steel works for the town.

How many men volunteered for the Jarrow Crusade, and how many were allowed to march?

1200 men volunteered for the Jarrow Crusade, but only 200 marchers were allowed to take part in the march to London.

Who led the Jarrow Crusade?

The Jarrow Crusade was led by David Riley, a town councillor, and Ellen Wilkinson, a local MP, under the banner ‘Jarrow Crusade’.

What happened during the march to London in the Jarrow Crusade?

As the marchers journeyed south to London, they were met with great public sympathy. People offered free meals, tea, shoe repairs, and shelter in church halls.

What happened when the Jarrow Crusade reached London on 31st October 1936?

When the Jarrow Crusade reached London, the government refused to meet with the marchers, despite the public support they received during the march.

What happened in December 1937 following the Jarrow Crusade?

In December 1937, a new steel works opened in Jarrow, but it employed only 200 men, far fewer than expected or needed to alleviate the unemployment crisis.

Who recorded the events of the Jarrow Crusade, and what was the name of the book?

The events of the Jarrow Crusade were recorded by Ellen Wilkinson in her book titled ‘The Town that was Murdered’.