Product Description

The General Strike of 1926 was the most important industrial dispute in British history. Almost 1,750,000 came out in support of about a million miners who had been locked out for rejecting reductions in pay and conditions. For nine days, from 3-12 May, Britain ground almost to a halt. A few trains and buses ran, but only when driven by volunteers from the anti-strike middle and upper classes. Food supplies needed, in many cases, to be protected by armed police and military units. This text examines the main debates about the causes, events and consequences of the strike. Using diaries and original documents and illustrations to show the changing attitude of the Government, the TUC, the employers, the Labour Party, the Liberals and the Communist Party of Great Britain, the author provides a vivid account of events before, during and after the "nine days in May".

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #712169 in Books
• Published on: 1999-07-22
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 192 pages

Customer Reviews

An invaluable piece. Should be read by all trade unionists.
The Author has really captured the atmosphere of what it must have been like during this period in history. The strike unfolds like a trade union banner in the breeze, only to lose its colours and become grey. Trade unionists today may well wonder if such a day will ever return when perhaps the action can be taken one step further and victory is enjoyed by the working classes. The photographs used throughout the book are a treasured memory of the individuals caught up in the greatest example of trade union organisation this century.