1. THE WINNIPEG GENERAL STRIKE OF 1919
Andrew t.
Ryan y.
Sadie W.

2. Post-War Canada Was not a time of peace
Returning soldiers could not find jobs
Immigrants had took their former jobs
Caused high rates of unemployment among soldiers

3. Post-War Canada
War factories closed down, led to unemployment and bankruptcies
The cost of living rose up by 64% in 1913
People could not keep up with the inflation
Some wanted better wages and working conditions
Others just wanted to find a job

4. The Winnipeg General Strike
(May 15, 1919) Winnipeg’s building and metal workers went on strike for better wages
2 weeks later, Winnipeg Trades and Labour Council went on strike
(11 a.m.) 30,000 union and non-union workers had walked off their job
Eventually, all services had shut down

5. Winnipeg General Strike Video

6. Women and the Winnipeg General Strike
Approximately 500 women had walked off their jobs
Women against the strike were called “scabs”
Conflicts often occurred between the scabs and the women who striked
Women at home had low incomes and were faced with the absence of goods and services
Notable people: Helen Armstrong & George Armstrong

7. Soldiers and the Winnipeg General Strike
(June 1,1919) 10,000 returning soldiers marched
Approached the Provincial Legislature and the Mayor’s House
Announced their solidarity towards the strike

8. BLOODY SATURDAY (June 21,1919) violence had erupted
Crowd overturned a street car and set it on fire
Royal Mounted Police attacked the crowds
2 people were killed, 30 people were injured, and 94 people were arrested

9. Aftermath Many families did not recover from their financial losses
Some strikers no longer had jobs to go back to
The strike was successful in creating attention to social and economic problems people faced
Labour leaders became more involved in politics

10. Aftermath It achieved none of its immediate aims
Had made the relationship between the government and labour very tense
In the long run, wages and working conditions has improved drastically thanks to the strike
Considered to be the largest general strike in Canadian history