Glasgow – 1915 The Problem During the war, people moved to big cities like Glasgow where work in the factories was plentiful Housing was in short supply, so many landlords decided to increase rent in order to make more money This was known as profiteering It is likely that Landlords believed they would get away with it, particularly with most men away fighting

The Rent Strikes Many women believed these Landlords were taking advantage – the quality of housing was generally poor so why should people pay more? In February 1915, Mary Barbour established the Glasgow Womens’ Housing Association They refused to pay increased rents, displaying posters in their windows refusing rent increases When sheriff's officers arrived to collect rent arrears they were attacked with rotten food and flour Many male workers on the Clydeside joined the women in their protests & strikes Soon 25,000 residents had joined the Rent Strikes and they spread to other cities like Dundee

The Rent Strikes - Results The British Government was put under immense pressure with the Rent Strikes, as well as men in important jobs taking their own strike action The government was forced to pass the 1915 Rent Restriction Act, freezing rents to pre-1914 levels This was seen as a victory for the working class women and men in Glasgow It was also part of a wider movement, known as ‘Red Clydeside’ which was about ordinary men & women standing up to the government