Glasgow Labour Riots

Date: January 31, 1919 • Location: Glasgow City, United Kingdom

This milestone marked the outbreak and beginning of this historic period, which spanned 1919.

Intense rioting over labour conditions broke out in Glasgow, Scotlan.

The Battle of George Square was a violent confrontation in Glasgow, Scotland between City of Glasgow Police and striking workers, centred around George Square. The "battle", also known as "Bloody Friday" or "Black Friday", took place on Friday 31 January 1919, shortly after the end of the First World War. During the riot, the Sheriff of Lanarkshire called for military aid, and government troops, supported by six tanks, were moved to key points in the city, though troops never clashed with the rioters. The strike leaders were arrested for inciting the riot. Although it is often stated that there were no fatalities, one police constable died several months later from injuries received during the rioting.