Matchgirls' Strike

What was the Matchgirls' Strike?

The Matchgirls' Strike was a strike by women employees in factories producing matches and was supported by Annie Besant.

What were the aims of the Matchgirls' Strike?

They wanted to improve working conditions and wages in the Bryant and May factory in London. The women were working in dangerous conditions, with the risk of brain tumours and death from working with white phosphorus.

What did the strikers do in the Matchgirls' Strike?

They went on strike and called for a boycott of matches made by their companies. They also marched to the Houses of Parliament.

What was the result of the Matchgirls' Strike?

The employers agreed to the women's demands, making it one of the first successful strikes by unskilled manual workers.

What was Annie Besant's role in the Matchgirls' Strike?

Annie Besant wrote articles in her newspaper, 'The Link', claiming that the girls were treated like slaves. The reaction to this sparked the strike. Besant became leader of the Matchgirls' Union at the factory.