Rents, Peace, Votes: Working-Class Women and Political Activity in the First World War

TitleRents, Peace, Votes: Working-Class Women and Political Activity in the First World War
Publication TypeBook Chapter
Year of Publication1992
AuthorsSmyth, James J.
EditorBreitenbach, Esther, and Eleanor Gordon
Book TitleOut of Bounds: Women in Scottish Society 1800-1945
Pagination174–196
PublisherEdinburgh University Press
CityEdinburgh
Abstract

The rent strike of 1915 may have been the most successful example of direct action ever undertaken by the Scottish working class. Any discussion of popular political activity in Scotland in the twentieth century, therefore, must make direct reference to the rent strike. Furthermore, the role played by women is crucial. Indeed it is because of women's involvement and leading role that the rent strike is so important. The success of the rent strike lay in provoking a near overnight U-turn by the government and the introduction of a major piece of legislation restricting increases in rents, and on terms more or less dictated by the strikers. It must constantly be remembered that it was the women who forced the issue, and it was their determination to oppose rent increases and confront not only their factors and landlords but also the wider authorities that made this action possible. This chapter discusses this agitation, as well as the women's movements in Scotland for peace and suffrage at this time.

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