Was government mismanagement the most important cause of the General Strike of 1926?
Was government mismanagement the most important cause of the General Strike of 1926?
There were many factors in the lead up to the strike of 1926 which could be blamed for causing it. However it is argued Government mismanagement is the most important cause due to the fact that it had such a significant impact because it was a continual cause and that it could be blamed as a trigger for the start of it.
One of these factors that could be classed as a cause for the General Strike of 1926 is the infamous coal owners. In particular the attitude of these coal bosses towards their workers is an issue. Their selfish outlook on life was first emphasised when in the early 1920s the price of coal began to drop but instead of taking it on the shoulder and sacrificing some of their profits they decided the only solution was to introduce harsh pay cuts and longer days. Moreover the conditions in the mines continued to deteriorate as the owners refused to use any of their own money to help the miner’s lives out even to the extent that some wouldn’t even provide a pithead bath. This angered the miners as there was no sign of any compromise.
Additional factors that could be responsible for the strike of 1926 are the social and political causes. The growth of left wing politics is an important issue because it sets off warning signs for both the working and upper class due to the communist uprising that was currently happening in Russia. Therefore fear quickly spread throughout the country which cause the government to slightly panic and left themselves vulnerable to any pressure from miners who were already thinking about striking. The social factor of education also had an impact on the events of 1926. This because for the first time in British history the working class were now being educated and were therefore more likely to stand up for themselves as they were now able to negotiate and offer compromise towards mine owners and the government. Furthermore if required
There were many factors in the lead up to the strike of 1926 which could be blamed for causing it. However it is argued Government mismanagement is the most important cause due to the fact that it had such a significant impact because it was a continual cause and that it could be blamed as a trigger for the start of it.
One of these factors that could be classed as a cause for the General Strike of 1926 is the infamous coal owners. In particular the attitude of these coal bosses towards their workers is an issue. Their selfish outlook on life was first emphasised when in the early 1920s the price of coal began to drop but instead of taking it on the shoulder and sacrificing some of their profits they decided the only solution was to introduce harsh pay cuts and longer days. Moreover the conditions in the mines continued to deteriorate as the owners refused to use any of their own money to help the miner’s lives out even to the extent that some wouldn’t even provide a pithead bath. This angered the miners as there was no sign of any compromise.
Additional factors that could be responsible for the strike of 1926 are the social and political causes. The growth of left wing politics is an important issue because it sets off warning signs for both the working and upper class due to the communist uprising that was currently happening in Russia. Therefore fear quickly spread throughout the country which cause the government to slightly panic and left themselves vulnerable to any pressure from miners who were already thinking about striking. The social factor of education also had an impact on the events of 1926. This because for the first time in British history the working class were now being educated and were therefore more likely to stand up for themselves as they were now able to negotiate and offer compromise towards mine owners and the government. Furthermore if required