Britain in the Twenties
Britain in the Twenties
General Overview
Post World War I Britain
was marked by economic struggle and social change.- Unemployment was high due to demobilisation (soldiers returning from war) and a lack of trade.
- The General Strike of 1926 was a significant event, where millions of workers protested against wage reductions and worsening conditions.
Economy
- Continued economic stagnation led to high unemployment, especially in staple industries such as coal, steel, and textiles.
- Economic disparity grew between the North (largely industrial and struggling) and the prosperous South.
Politics
The Representation of the People Act (1928)
gave voting rights to all women above 21, equalising the voting age with men.- The Labour Party, led by Ramsay MacDonald, emerged as a major political force throughout the 1920s.
Cultural Changes
- Women’s role in society started changing with increased workforce participation and changes in fashion and lifestyle, marked by the ‘Flapper’ phenomenon.
- Birth of mass media, with the BBC’s radio broadcast starting from 1922.
International Relations
- The Treaty of Versailles (1919) and the League of Nations hugely impacted Britain’s foreign relations.
- The concept of “appeasement” - avoiding conflict through negotiation - started to form in reaction to the aggressive policies of expansionist foreign powers.
The General Strike of 1926
- Triggered by problems within the coal industry, with miners demanding better pay and work conditions.
- Effectively brought the country to a standstill, impacting crucial services such as transport, coal production, and newspapers.
- Government reaction to the strike was largely combative, marking a significant moment in the history of the British labour movement.