Britain Transformed A-Level History Thatcher Summary Notes: Economics
Britain Transformed A-Level History Thatcher Summary Notes: Division
Britain Transformed A-Level History Thatcher Summary Notes: State
All for this textbook (22)
Written for
A/AS Level
PEARSON (PEARSON)
History 2015
Unit 1H - Britain transformed, 1918-97
All documents for this subject (67)
1
review
By: ronnie27 • 2 months ago
Seller
Follow
tamaragillespie
Reviews received
Content preview
Reasons for industrial change
● Industry hadnt changed since the victorian times
● The machinery was old, production methods were old, no investment & inability to complete with foreign
competitors e.g. USA. During the interwar years it was these industries that had the most unrest.
● But there were some industries (based in the Midlands) that were changing e.g. car manufacturing,
domestic appliances (washing machine + vacuum cleaners). The conditions in these places were good
& pay OK, therefore not much union involvement.
● There were ‘two Englands’ in this era. New & Old industries.
● New – electrical appliances increased workforce x 2.5
building industry increased workforce by 33%
service industries (hotels, holiday camps etc.) increased workforce by 40%
Industrial Relations, 1918-21
During WWI DLG negotiated with the trade union movement to keep strikes to a minimum but there were still
some strikes. Following the armistice there was a large wave of unrest. As employment in factories increased,
strikes declined – 1919 32 million days lost in strikes 1920 25 million days lost. BUT in 1921 unemployment
increased, wages slumped = more strikes – 84 million days lost.
The miners strike 1921
● Government control of mines ended in 1921 so hours increased & wages were cut to compete with
foreign imports.
● MFGB (The Miners Federation of Great Britain), National Transport Workers Federation (NTWF) &
National Union of Railwaymen (NUR) talked of a possible united strike. Even if foreign coal was
imported, if no-one would transport it there could be a general strike.
● Black Friday – 15/04/21 the NUR + NTWF decided not to go on strike.
● The miners went on strike between 15 April – 28 June but had to go back to work.
● They were forced to accept wage cuts
The general strike – 1926.
● An enquiry was made to miners’ conditions & a subsidy was made to their pay until May 1926.
● The owners told miners they would have to take a pay cut when subsidy ended & threatened a lock out.
● A government enquiry was made (Samuel Commission) – recommended 13.5% pay cut & withdrawal of
subsidy.
● May 1926 1 million workers were locked= out for not accepting lower pay.
● TUC announced a general strike in May 1926.
● The government knew the strike would happen and used the British Gazette & BBC to broadcast
support.
● Labour distanced itself from the strikes.
● An anti-union group of volunteers was founded & they did the jobs of the strikers e.g. manned trains,
driving etc.
● Union members returned to work but some singled out as trouble makers.
● Miner’s wages were slashed & the industry lost 30% of its jobs.
Part 2 – Industrial Relations- changing work opportunities & conditions -The Second World War, 1939-45.
Changes: - Full employment -Large number of women in factories -Factories all now operational – munitions &
weapons - 1944 – 33% of civilian population in work – including 7 million women
Employment – Essential Job Order in March 1941 (Ernest Bevin) tied people to jobs needed for the war effort &
made it difficult for employers to dismiss employees. Skilled workers were exempt from military service. Working
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller tamaragillespie. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $4.61. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.