Working Class Unity In Belfast 1932 Outdoor Relief Riots

The 1932 Outdoor Relief Riots in Belfast were a watershed moment in the history of the city. The riots were sparked by the decision of the Belfast Corporation to cut outdoor relief payments to the unemployed. The cuts were met with widespread anger and resentment from the working class community, who saw them as an attack on their livelihoods.

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 riots lasted for several days and resulted in widespread damage to property and several deaths. The riots were eventually quelled by the intervention of the British Army, but they left a lasting legacy of anger and resentment within the working class community.

Background to the Riots

The 1932 Outdoor Relief Riots were the culmination of a period of intense economic hardship in Belfast. The city had been hit hard by the Great Depression, and unemployment had soared. In 1932, over 40% of the workforce was unemployed.

The Belfast Corporation responded to the crisis by cutting outdoor relief payments to the unemployed. The cuts were deeply unpopular, and they led to widespread anger and resentment.

The Riots

The riots began on 22nd October 1932, when a crowd of unemployed workers gathered outside the Belfast City Hall. The crowd grew in size and became increasingly angry. They began to riot, attacking shops and businesses.

The riots lasted for several days and caused widespread damage to property. The rioters also clashed with the police and the British Army. Several people were killed and many more were injured.

The Aftermath of the Riots

The 1932 Outdoor Relief Riots were a watershed moment in the history of Belfast. The riots left a lasting legacy of anger and resentment within the working class community.

The riots also led to a number of changes in government policy. The Belfast Corporation was forced to restore outdoor relief payments to the unemployed. The government also introduced a number of new measures to help the unemployed, including the of unemployment insurance.

The 1932 Outdoor Relief Riots were a watershed moment in the history of Belfast. The riots were a powerful expression of working class anger and resentment. They also led to a number of changes in government policy, which helped to improve the lives of the unemployed.

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