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The Coal Industry and the First World War. Aims :. Identify the impact of the First World War on the British coal industry. Examine the changes to the coal industry after the war. The Impact of War.
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Aims: • Identify the impact of the First World War on the British coal industry. • Examine the changes to the coal industry after the war.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
Miners in Motherwell receiving help from a soup kitchen during the strike
Tasks • Workguide Activity 16 complete questions 1-13. • Title Page for next topic - Railways