England in the 1920s: A Decade of Contrast and Change

January 31, 2024

The 1920s in England were marked by stark contrasts, with a significant divide between the wealthy and the impoverished. Widespread unemployment led to an increase in beggars on the streets, many of whom were old soldiers struggling to reintegrate into civilian life.

The General Strike of 1926 was a pivotal moment, triggered by a drastic 13% cut in miners’ wages. In response, over one million mine workers were locked out by owners seeking to impose longer hours for reduced pay. This economic strain extended beyond mining; by the end of the decade, one in four farms had been sold to meet financial obligations, resulting in over 600,000 farmers declaring bankruptcy.

In 1928, National Geographic photographer Clifton R. Adams documented life in England during this tumultuous period. Using innovative techniques involving potato starch to produce color images, Adams captured the essence of a nation on the brink of profound transformation, just before the onset of the Great Depression in the 1930s. His work serves as a poignant reminder of the historical realities faced by many during this era of change.


IMAGE: CLIFTON R. ADAMS/NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC CREATIVE/CORBIS


IMAGE: CLIFTON R. ADAMS/NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC CREATIVE/CORBIS | Source: designyoutrust