The Great Depression of the 1930s was a significant historical event that had widespread consequences for people world wide. New Zealand's reliance on exporting goods to other countries, particularly Britain, meant that we were significantly impacted by this economic collapse. The initial response of the government was to cut their expenditure. This meant that much of society was hit hard by reduced transfer payments. The fall in income consequently reduced consumption spending, which caused a dramatic fall in the flow of money in the economy, creating issues for local businesses. They also established the Unemployment Act in 1930, which lead to the introduction of work schemes as a way for the unemployed to earn sustenance payments. These schemes led to increased anger in communities because it made them feel like second class citizens.
The Unemployed Worker's Movement became an influential force. They fought against the organisations such as the government and unions that in their opinion were not doing enough to target the effects of the depressions. Those who led the protests were inspired by socialism and the desire to overcome inequality. In 1932 the distress in the main centres erupted into riots. Although short-lived, these riots were destructive and were responded to harshly by the government. Over the course of the riots there had been 85 prosecutions and 72 people were imprisoned. The Public Safety Conservation Act was past just a week after the Auckland riot in an effort by the government to prevent future outbursts of violence.
The riots of 1932 had a large impact on the lives of New Zealanders, both short term and long term. The legislation passed in the short term drew further criticism from society, due to unfair dismissal of workers and draconian powers being given to police. However, the government reaction to the strikes was eventually successfully in curtailing the power of unions. Right wing political groups began to emerge in the years following the Depression era strikes, demonstrating the influence of the riots on radicalism in New Zealand.
The Unemployed Worker's Movement became an influential force. They fought against the organisations such as the government and unions that in their opinion were not doing enough to target the effects of the depressions. Those who led the protests were inspired by socialism and the desire to overcome inequality. In 1932 the distress in the main centres erupted into riots. Although short-lived, these riots were destructive and were responded to harshly by the government. Over the course of the riots there had been 85 prosecutions and 72 people were imprisoned. The Public Safety Conservation Act was past just a week after the Auckland riot in an effort by the government to prevent future outbursts of violence.
The riots of 1932 had a large impact on the lives of New Zealanders, both short term and long term. The legislation passed in the short term drew further criticism from society, due to unfair dismissal of workers and draconian powers being given to police. However, the government reaction to the strikes was eventually successfully in curtailing the power of unions. Right wing political groups began to emerge in the years following the Depression era strikes, demonstrating the influence of the riots on radicalism in New Zealand.