Hunger marches, dole and means test Flashcards
(23 cards)
What was the unemployment rate in Britain in 1933?
2.5 million, which was 25 percent of the workforce
Which areas were worst hit by unemployment during the Depression?
Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and the north of England
Name three industries that were significantly affected by unemployment.
- coal
- iron
- steel
- shipbuilding
Why were heavy industries struggling after the war?
They had not modernised and were affected by competition from other countries
What happened when the Palmers Shipbuilding and Iron Company closed down in Jarrow?
The town’s unemployment rate rose to 68 percent, and it was said the town effectively ‘died’
How did the high unemployment affect the economy?
Unemployed individuals had no wages, leading to decreased demand for goods and more business bankruptcies
True or False: The unemployment benefit, known as the dole, was sufficient to cover basic costs.
False
Fill in the blank: The unemployment benefit was not enough to cover basic costs such as _______.
[food and clothing]
What is the unemployment benefit commonly known as?
the dole
The unemployment benefit was crucial for individuals who lost their jobs.
How long was a person entitled to benefit from the unemployment insurance scheme?
the first six months
This was the standard duration for receiving benefits before the introduction of the Means Test.
What was the purpose of the Means Test introduced by the government in 1931?
to assess a families ‘worth’, they valued their house and possessions to see if they were eligible for benefits
Officials evaluated family earnings and possessions to determine eligibility for unemployment benefits.
What were some factors that could result in the refusal of dole under the Means Test?
- Older child had work
- Mother had a part-time job
- Grandparent living rent-free
These conditions created significant stress for families seeking assistance.
What financial impact did the government have on the dole in 1931?
the dole was cut by 10 percent
This reduction further strained families already struggling with unemployment.
What town organized a meeting with a Cabinet minister in 1936 to seek help?
Jarrow
The town was facing dire economic circumstances and sought government assistance.
How did the people of Jarrow gain publicity for their cause?
by organizing a non-political march to London
This march involved 200 men and aimed to raise awareness about their situation.
How far did the Jarrow march cover?
over 450 km
The march was a significant undertaking, demonstrating their determination.
What was the consequence for the marchers regarding their dole payments?
their payments were reduced
The government claimed they had made themselves unavailable for work during the march.
What was the slogan of the march on 5 September 1931?
‘Struggle or Starve’
This slogan captured the desperation of the marchers from the Rhondda Valleys.
How many people participated in the nationwide hunger march to London on 14 October 1932?
2,500 marchers
This significant turnout included participants from all over Britain.
What role did trade unionists play in the hunger march of October 1932?
they helped organize the march and arranged food and shelter
Their involvement was crucial for the logistics of the march.
What measures did the government take in response to the marches?
- Significant police presence
- Deployment of spies
- Use of force to confiscate petitions
These actions reflected the government’s fear of unrest and dissent.
What political backing did the last march in October 1936 have?
the Labour party
Despite this backing, the march still achieved little in terms of tangible results.
How many men participated in the Jarrow march to London?
200 men
