Working Class Unity in Belfast: The Outdoor Relief Riots of 1932

In the depths of the Great Depression, the working class of Belfast, Northern Ireland, rose up in a wave of defiance that shook the city to its core. The Outdoor Relief Riots of 1932 were a powerful expression of working-class unity and a desperate plea for help in the face of widespread unemployment, hunger, and poverty.

The Great Depression in Belfast

The Great Depression hit Belfast particularly hard. The city was heavily dependent on shipbuilding and textiles, two industries that were decimated by the global economic crisis. By 1932, unemployment had reached 50% in some areas of the city. Families were struggling to put food on the table, and many were facing eviction.

Struggle or Starve: Working-Class Unity in Belfast's 1932 Outdoor Relief Riots

by Matthew Casey

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1227 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	234 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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The British government's response to the crisis was inadequate. The government provided some relief, but it was not enough to meet the needs of the unemployed. The government also refused to increase unemployment benefits, which were already among the lowest in Europe.

The Outdoor Relief Riots

In February 1932, a group of unemployed workers in Belfast decided to take matters into their own hands. They marched to the Belfast City Hall and demanded an increase in outdoor relief payments. The police met the protesters with violence, and a riot ensued.

The riots spread quickly throughout the city. Unemployed workers, joined by their wives and children, clashed with the police in the streets. The rioters overturned cars, smashed windows, and set fires. The police responded with batons, tear gas, and rubber bullets.

The riots lasted for three days and nights. By the time they were quelled, over 100 people had been injured and two had been killed. The riots were a major embarrassment for the British government and forced them to reconsider their policies towards the unemployed.

Aftermath of the Riots

In the aftermath of the riots, the British government appointed a commission to investigate the causes of the unrest. The commission's report, known as the "Macmillan Report," concluded that the riots were a direct result of the government's failure to address the needs of the unemployed.

The Macmillan Report led to some improvements in government policy. The government increased unemployment benefits and provided more funding for relief programs. However, the Great Depression continued to take its toll on Belfast. By the end of the decade, unemployment had still not returned to pre-Depression levels.

Working Class Unity

One of the most striking aspects of the Outdoor Relief Riots was the level of working-class unity that they demonstrated. Unemployed workers from all over the city came together to fight for their rights. They were joined by their wives and children, who also suffered from the effects of the Depression.

The riots showed that the working class of Belfast was not willing to accept the status quo. They were determined to fight for a better life for themselves and their families. The riots also showed that the working class was capable of organizing and taking collective action.

The Outdoor Relief Riots of 1932 were a watershed moment in the history of Belfast. They showed the working class of the city that they had the power to fight for their rights. The riots also led to some improvements in government policy. However, the Great Depression continued to take its toll on Belfast, and the working class continued to face many challenges.

The Outdoor Relief Riots are a reminder of the importance of working-class unity. When the working class comes together to fight for their rights, they can achieve great things. The riots also show that the government has a responsibility to meet the needs of its citizens, especially in times of economic crisis.

Struggle or Starve: Working-Class Unity in Belfast's 1932 Outdoor Relief Riots

by Matthew Casey

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1227 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	234 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE