Why did the General Strike take place, why did it fail after just nine days, and what did it reveal about power in Britain?

This engaging and fully resourced lesson explores one of the most significant industrial disputes in British history.

Ideal for KS3 and as an introduction to GCSE themes of protest, power, democracy and workers’ rights, the lesson investigates the causes, events and consequences of the General Strike and encourages students to evaluate its long-term significance.

Students begin by exploring the concept of a general strike and discover why the dispute extended far beyond miners’ wages. They investigate the growing tensions between organised labour, employers and the government, considering why the strike became a national struggle over workers’ rights and political authority.

The lesson then examines the impact of the strike on everyday life. Students investigate how transport, newspapers, communications and food supplies were disrupted and evaluate how these changes affected ordinary people and shaped public opinion across Britain.

Students also explore how Stanley Baldwin prepared for and responded to the strike. They examine the government’s use of volunteer workers, the police and armed forces, together with the publication of the British Gazette, before considering whether these actions protected democracy or restricted legitimate protest.

Through structured debate and source analysis, students evaluate the viewpoints of striking workers, trade union leaders, government ministers and the press.

Finally, they investigate why the strike collapsed after only nine days, weighing factors such as government planning, media influence, public support and divisions within the trade union movement before reaching their own balanced judgement.

Included in this lesson:
Fully editable PowerPoint
Timeline activity developing chronological understanding
Source analysis using contemporary and modern accounts
Structured debate and evaluative writing activities
Retrieval quizzes and plenary tasks to consolidate learning
Differentiated throughout with suggested teaching strategies

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