Rent strikes

• Industrial areas in Scotland, especially around Glasgow, experienced a large increase in population as people moved there for work.
• The increased demand for housing led to landlords raising rents and evicting those who could not pay in favor of those who could.
• Many of those affected by the evictions were women whose men were away fighting.
• In 1915, the Glasgow housing association was set up to protest against the evictions.
• Many people went on rent strike, refusing to pay their rent.
• When people were sent to evict those on rent strike, a lot of supporters of the strikers would turn up to make it impossible for them to be chucked out of their homes.
• A trial was due to take place of those who didn't pay the rent.
• There was a massive protest in George Square, Glasgow, against the evictions.
• The government eventually brought in a law to stop landlords increasing rent, keeping it at the amount it was before the war unless there was a big improvement in the condition of properties.
• The rent strikes are a proud moment in Govan's history.