The General Strike of 1926

The General Strike of 1926 in support of the miners was the most important dispute in British industrial history. It is the only occasion on which the vast majority of the working class have given their industrial, financial, and moral support to a group of workers for more than one day.

This book examines the reasons for the dispute and its significance for British society. It focuses on the unfolding of events such as 'Black Friday', 'Red Friday' and the action of the rank and file, as well as the reaction of the Conservative Government and the constitutional issues raised. The author argues that the General Strike was almost inevitable, given the conflicting demands of the TUC and the Government. He also asserts that it was not the unmitigated disaster it is often presented as being.

Apart from an original and accessible analysis of the General Strike, Keith Laybourn provides a lucid survey of existing historiography on the dispute and a useful section of key documents. His study offers an idea update on a topic which has not seen a major textbook in seventeen years.