Scotland and The Great War Politics Red Clydeside, 1919 Scotland and The Great War Politics

Todays Lesson Look at the impact of WW1 on Politics in Scotland Understand what Trade Unions are and their link to political party in Scotland Understand the details of the Red Clydeside Strike in 1919

Do you remember Quick Quiz – 6 mins Name 3 reasons why there was a decline in the shipbuilding industry in Glasgow Who was Mary Barbour and why was she involved in a strike in 1915? In what ways had the government changed the lives of ordinary working class people in Scotland from 1914-1919? Eg… Conscription

Glasgow in 1919 The war caused great sorrow and bitterness in Scotland The decline of heavy industries such as shipbuilding and steel After giving up 4 years of their lives to fight for Britain they now found themselves out of work and facing dire poverty. Describe in your own words the effects of the war on Glasgow (3)

Trade Unions After WW1, 2 in 3 workers had joined a trade union. They were becoming powerful. What do Trade Unions do? Trade unions provide members with: information advice guidance about work-related problems Trade unions provide members with a range of services including: training insurance financial services and legal advice.

Glasgow’s Trade Unions Glasgow’s trade unions were led by strong socialists – men who wanted factories, mines, shops and railways run for the good of everyone, not just for owners profits. They had both the Labour Party and the Independent Labour Party to support them politically. Many of their leaders, such as John McLean, Emanuel (Manny) Shinwell and James Maxton, had been against the war from the start, and had suffered badly as conscientious objectors during the war They were known as the ‘Red Clydesiders’ Summarise the Glasgow Trade Unions – who ran them, what were their policies, what did they hope to accomplish, what were they known by?

The General Strike of 1919 When the war ended, 40,000 workers on Clydeside went on a general strike. They demanded a 40 hour limit to the working week in order to reduce unemployment. Think: Why would a 40 hour limit to the working week reduce unemployment?

Task What effects did WWI have on families in Scotland? Glasgow’s trade union leaders were socialists. What does this mean? What political parties supported the trade unions? Describe the beliefs of John McLean and James Maxton Why did 40,000 workers on Clydeside go on strike at the end of 1918?

‘Bloody Friday’: Riots in George Square – January 1919 On 31st January 1919 a massive demonstration was held in George Square, Glasgow. It is thought that as many as 90,000 men and women filled the square to hear speakers demand a 40 hour working week and better conditions for workers. The socialist Red Flag was raised in the crowd.

‘Bloody Friday’: Riots in George Square – January 1919 Fearing that the workers might revolt and take over, the Government ordered the police to read the Riot Act. Strike leaders were attacked and arrested. 10,000 soldiers and 6 tanks were stationed just outside Glasgow, ready to stop any rebellion. Glasgow’s own returning soldiers were locked in Maryhill barracks as the Government feared that they might join the workers. The workers could not stand up to the might of the forces against them and the strike ended.

Source B: Tanks and soldiers enter the Trongate, Glasgow, Jan 1919

“I wish no harm to any human being, but I, as one man, am going to exercise my freedom of speech. No human being on the face of the earth, no government is going to take from me my right to speak, my right to protest against wrong, my right to do everything that is for the benefit of mankind.” John MacLean, May 1918

Denny - Stirling

In the 1922 General Election a number of Red Clydesiders, including David Kirkwood, James Maxton, John Wheatley and Emanuel (‘Manny’) Shinwell, were elected to the House of Commons.

Exam Questions Use the Sources from the worksheet provided How fully does Source C describe what happened in George Square on 31st January 1919? You must use evidence from the sources and from your own knowledge (recall) and give reasons for your answer. (6 marks) To what extent do Sources D and E disagree in their description of the General Strike on Clydeside in 1919? (Compare) Use examples from the sources to back up your answer (4 marks)