Evaluating two contrasting interpretations of the General Strike (1926)

Question 4 (8 marks)

Study the two interpretations below.

Interpretation A (Historian A, 1980): "The General Strike of 1926 was a complete failure for the trade union movement. It demonstrated that a general strike could not succeed against a determined government and led to the weakening of the TUC's position for a generation."

Interpretation B (Historian B, 2005): "The General Strike, though it did not achieve its immediate aims, demonstrated the solidarity of the British working class and laid the foundations for Labour's 1945 landslide victory — the true expression of working-class political power."

How far do you agree with Interpretation A? Use both interpretations and your own knowledge.

Mark scheme (AO4, 8 marks):

• Evidence supporting A: Strike lasted only 9 days; TUC called it off without achieving anything; miners returned on worse terms; Trade Disputes Act 1927 weakened unions; strike shown to be powerless against government resources (1–2 marks)
• Evidence challenging A / supporting B: Long-term impact on Labour Party development; working-class solidarity was demonstrated even if the strike failed; the shared experience of 1926 contributed to the political shift of 1945 (1–2 marks)
• Comparison of interpretations: explain why the two historians reach different conclusions (different time period, different emphasis on short-term vs long-term outcomes) (1–2 marks)
• Balanced judgement on how far A is convincing (2 marks)