Red Clydeside: A history of the labour movement in Glasgow 1910-1932

Political cartoons

The patriot

5 Sep 1914

Virtually from the outset of the war, left-wing anger and resentment was directed at the capitalist classes for what was seen as their patriotic hypocrisy and blatant attempts at wartime profiteering.

They were seen to be encouraging patriotism, jingoism and aiding the drive for young men to enlist whilst also attempting to profit from the war situation at home. Many landlords attempted to raise rents in munitions areas to capitalise on the wartime demand for housing, and threatened tenants with eviction if they refused to pay the increased rents.

Ultimately, the landlords' push for higher rents was resisted within the affected communities. Through the determination of local women and the solidarity and organisation of workers on the Clyde, the government was left with little option but to introduce the Rent Restrictions Act in 1916.

Source: Gallacher Memorial Library, Glasgow Caledonian University Special Collections and Archives