Impact of War on Industries

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Heavy Industries during the war

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Benefited from wartime demand due to the need for resources to support the war effort, such as military equipment, armaments, ships, tanks, military uniforms, and energy through coal. This created more employment opportunities and greater profits for owners.

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Heavy Industries after the war

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Lack of military orders for ships and other armaments meant there was no demand. Many Scottish shipyards lost their business to foreign ones. Alternative fuels like oil led to a fall in demand for coal.

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Jute Industry during the war

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There was a huge demand for jute as it was used for sandbags, nosebags for horses, sacks, and rope, mostly manufactured in Dundee. The army needed 6 million jute bags a month.

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Jute Industry after the war

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Orders for jute sacks stopped due to lack of military demand. India started to produce their own jute, causing further decline due to competition.

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Farming and Fishing Industries during the war

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Increased demand for sheep as they produced wool for uniforms. Wages and employment increased. The fishing industry declined as the North Sea was closed to fishing due to German submarines and mines. Farming received government subsidies.

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Farming and Fishing Industries after the war

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Government subsidies for farmers stopped in 1920. New farming machinery and technology meant fewer workers were needed, resulting in unemployment.