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The Coal Industry and the First World War

This article explores the profound impact of the First World War on the British coal industry. With a significant decline in coal production due to miners enlisting for military service, the government nationalized the mines to ensure sufficient coal supply for the war effort. Post-war, the industry faced numerous challenges, including competition from imported coal, the rise of oil, and decreased domestic demand. Tensions escalated between miners and mine owners leading to strikes, culminating in the General Strike of 1926. This overview examines the shifts in labor and production that shaped the future of coal mining in Britain.

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The Coal Industry and the First World War

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  1. The Coal Industry and the First World War

  2. Aims: • Identify the impact of the First World War on the British coal industry. • Examine the changes to the coal industry after the war.

  3. The Impact of War • The First World War began in 1914 but by the end of 1915 there was a huge drop in the amount of coal being mined in Britain. Can you think why this would be the case?

  4. Coal production decreased as a huge number of miners had volunteered to go and fight in the war. • Despite this, coal was still greatly required. It was essential for the war effort.

  5. Solving the Problem • Due to the huge decrease in coal production the government decided that they would control the mines for the duration of the war, instead of the mine owners. • This is called NATIONALISATION • Miners were also exempt from joining the army.

  6. Challenges to the Mining Industry The British coal industry faced many problems after the war. • Cheap coal was being imported from Poland and Germany. • Less coal was being exported (sent abroad). • New types of fuel such as oil were being developed. • Demand for coal decreased with the rise of the motor car – less people travelled by train.

  7. Industrial Action • When the mines were returned to their former owners after the war there was conflict. • Many miners preferred working for the government as their wages had been higher. • Trouble increased in the mid 1920s when owners tried to reduce wages and increase the working day. • Miners went on strike over this. Their slogan was “not a minute on the day, not a penny off the pay.” • Despite striking for 6 months during the May 1926 General Strike, they were eventually forced to accept pay cuts and an increase in hours.

  8. Strikers outside Prestonpans Colliery, 1926

  9. Miners in Motherwell receiving help from a soup kitchen during the strike

  10. Tasks • Workguide Activity 16 complete questions 1-13. • Title Page for next topic - Railways

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