General strike of 14 October 1918

Quick Facts: Who was General strike of 14 October 1918?

Subject:

General strike of 14 October 1918

Known for:

A pivotal general strike preceding Czechoslovakian statehood and WWI's end.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The general strike declared on 14 October 1918 was one of the events that preceded the creation of Czechoslovakia and the end of the First World War. The announcement of the strike came in the atmosphere of a collapsing Austro-Hungarian Empire, when a quick end to the war was expected. The situation on all fronts was developing to the detriment of the Central Powers. The declaration was published on 12 October 1918. The strike was called by the Socialist Council, a body uniting social democrats and national socialists.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Initially, it envisaged the declaration of a socially just state independent of Austria-Hungary. The main reason, however, was widespread hunger and the export of grain and coal from Bohemia for the needs of the Austro-Hungarian army at the front. The entire year of 1918 was marked by strikes, demonstrations and desertions of soldiers in the Czech lands (and elsewhere in Austria-Hungary). This theme later resonated even on the day of the founding of Czechoslovakia on 28 October 1918, when the National Committee took over the War Grain Institute, which managed the distribution of grain and flour. When the deputy commander of the Prague military garrison, Marshal Eduard Zanantoni, learned of the intention to declare a strike, he had the army deployed in Prague.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The presence of security forces made it impossible for larger demonstrations and political manifestations. The strike itself was nevertheless successful. Most factories and plants in Bohemia, some in Moravia and only a very few in Silesia, stopped work. Approximately 35,000 workers in Prague took part in the strike. The National Committee feared bloodshed, tried to call off the planned demonstrations and distanced itself from the intended declaration of independence, but the protests failed to be called off.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1918: 1918 Milestone — The general strike declared on 14 October 1918 was one of the events that preceded the creation of Czechoslovakia and the end of the First World War.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: General strike of 14 October 1918

True or False: “The primary cause of the October 1918 general strike was solely political, aiming for immediate national independence.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While independence was a goal, the main catalyst cited for the strike was widespread hunger and the export of vital resources like grain and coal.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Abdul Hamid II — Historical peer (Died in 1918) (1918): Last effective Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, navigating decline and constitutional upheaval.
• Abraham Pais — Historical peer (Born in 1918) (1918): Pioneering physicist and acclaimed science historian of modern physics.
• General Tom Thumb — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: Famous American performer known for his act of General Tom Thumb.
• Generalplan Ost — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: Nazi plan for the genocide and colonization of Eastern Europe.
• Genesis (band) — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: Pioneering English progressive rock band known for theatrical performances and complex arrangements.
• Geneva Revolution of 1782 — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: A brief 1782 uprising in Geneva seeking expanded voting rights for common citizens.

Frequently Asked Questions about General strike of 14 October 1918