Hunger marches

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This photo was taken of a Canadian hunger march forming up in 1932 in

Hunger marches refer to organized mass demonstrations or protests that occurred primarily during periods of economic hardship and distress, where participants marched to draw attention to the issue of hunger, poverty, and the need for social welfare and employment opportunities. These marches were particularly prominent during the early 20th century, notably in the United States, United Kingdom, and other parts of the world, as responses to the Great Depression and other economic crises.

History

The concept of hunger marches can be traced back to various points in history, but they became significantly prominent during the 1920s and 1930s. The Great Depression (1929-1939), a severe worldwide economic downturn, led to unprecedented levels of unemployment and poverty, prompting various groups to organize marches as a form of political and social activism.

United States

In the United States, one of the most notable hunger marches was organized by the Unemployed Councils of the USA, affiliated with the Communist Party. In December 1931, the National Hunger March to Washington, D.C. saw over 1,000 participants from across the country demanding relief from Congress. Despite facing opposition and violence, the marchers succeeded in bringing national attention to the plight of the unemployed and hungry.

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom witnessed several significant hunger marches, with the National Unemployed Workers' Movement (NUWM) playing a key role in their organization. The most famous of these is the 1936 Jarrow March, where over 200 men marched from Jarrow to London to protest the dire unemployment and poverty in the North East of England.

Impact

Hunger marches played a crucial role in highlighting the social and economic issues of the times. They brought public attention to the severity of hunger and poverty faced by many, influencing public opinion and policy. In some cases, these marches led to direct action by governments to alleviate some of the problems through the creation of new social welfare programs and employment opportunities.

Legacy

The legacy of hunger marches continues to influence contemporary social and political movements. They are often cited as early examples of grassroots activism and the power of collective action in bringing about social change. Today, similar tactics are used by various groups to highlight issues such as income inequality, homelessness, and food insecurity.