How effectively did governments respond to changes in the workplace 1918-79?

Question 1

When was ‘Red Clydeside’ and how many people participated in it?

Answer 1

January 1919 -> 90,00 in George Square, Glasgow demanding a 40-hour week

Question 2

What happened memorably at Red Clydeside?

Answer 2

Tanks and Soloder were quickly transported to Glasgow from England-> led to Union leaders calling on protesters to stop over fear of violence

Question 3

What year was the General Strike? (Clue: it was during the government of Stanley Baldwin)

Answer 3

May 1926

Question 4

Why did the 1926 General Strike happen?

Answer 4

Due to pay cuts for miners -> led to the Trades Union Congress declaring a strike

Question 5

How many days did the General Strike last?

Answer 5

9 days

Question 6

How did Baldwin please the right wing of his party in 1927?

Answer 6

The Trade Disputes Act -> preventing future protest and weakening Labour by ensuring TU funds don’t go directly to them

Question 7

In 1932 what did unemployment peak at?

Answer 7

3 million - 22% of the workforce

Question 8

What were the heavy industries effected majorly in the thirties?

Answer 8

Coal, shipbuilding
,steel -> concentrated in northern industrial areas

Question 9

What was unemployment in Jarrow during the 1930s?

Answer 9

Over 70%

Question 10

In newer industries in the South in the 30s, what were the unemployment rates?

Answer 10

As low as 5-10%

Question 11

What did the National Economy Act of 1931 introduce?

Answer 11

Means testing -> restricting unemployment benefits

Question 12

What fuelled industrial growth in the late 30s, creating jobs?

Answer 12

Rearmament-> industrial output in aircraft manufacturing increased 4x

Question 13

What did the Special Areas Act 1934 do?

Answer 13

Allocate limited funds of £2 million for distressed regions. Public works schemes were initiated to reduce joblessness

Question 14

Who was the Minister of Labour during WW2?

Answer 14

Ernest Bevin

Question 15

What was the 1941 Essential Work Order?

Answer 15

Tied people to jobs that were essential for war effort and ensured minimal trade union strikes

Question 16

How many women were involved in war work?

Answer 16

7 million

Question 17

By 1944 what percentage of the civilian population were involved with war work?

Answer 17

33%

Question 18

Give an example of a place where a large amount of women worked during WW2?

Answer 18

Woolwich Arsenal munitions factory

Question 19

What year did the government ban strikes?

Answer 19

1940

Question 20

During 1944 how many Welsh Miners illegally went on strike?

Answer 20

100,000

Question 21

By 1945 how many Labour MPs were sponsored by TUs?

Answer 21

120 Labour MPs -> 26 became ministers including Ernest Bevin

Question 22

By 1956, how many people were employed in the production of motor vehicles?

Answer 22

500,000

Question 23

How much did retail prices increase between 55 and 69 - and how far did weekly wage rates go up?

Answer 23

Retail prices rose by 63% and weekly wage rates went up by 88%

Question 24

What year was the 1927 Trades Disputes Act repealed?

Answer 24

1946 -> Attlee’s government

Question 25

How many people participated the strikes in the years 1955-64?

Answer 25

1.1 million workers

Question 26

What year was ‘In Place of Strife’ proposed and by who?

Answer 26

1969 -> Barbara Castle

Question 27

What were the varations of views on ‘In Place of Strife’?

Answer 27

Public support but the Labour Party were divided - James Callaghan opposed it

Question 28

What was the Industrial Reorganisation Corp in the 70s and what was the result?

Answer 28

Gave loans to companies that wanted to improve efficiency and mergers - it was a failure e.g. Leyland Motors was axed under Heath.

Question 29

In 1970, what percentage pay increase did the NUM vote for?

Answer 29

33% - only 50% agreed to go on strike, led to unofficial strikes breaking out across the North and South Wales

Question 30

What was Arthur Scargill’s tactic of striking?

Answer 30

‘Flying Pickets’

Question 31

What was Heath’s 1974 poll slogan?

Answer 31

‘Who governs Britain?’

Question 32

What year was the Winter of Discontent?

Answer 32

1979

Question 33

What led to the Winter of Discontent?

Answer 33

Healey enforced a strict 5% pay increase for low pay workers - led to a winter of strike action

Question 34

In the WOFD how many Ford workers went on unofficial strike, and far did it rise to?

Answer 34

15,000 - rose to 57,000

Question 35

In response to the 1979 strikes during the WOFD, how much of a pay increase did Ford offer its workers?

Answer 35

17%

Question 36

How much did Lorry drivers on strike demand during the WOFD?

Answer 36

A 40% pay rise