Swiss Passport

Question 211 of 350 · The 20th century

During the national general strike (Landesstreik) of 1918, workers demanded more rights. What was one consequence of the national strike?

Beim Landesstreik 1918 forderten die Arbeitenden mehr Rechte. Was war eine Folge des Landesstreiks?

Correct answer: A

  1. AThe 48-hour week was introduced.Die 48-Stunden-Woche wurde eingeführt.
  2. BWorkers could travel to work by train free of charge.Die Arbeitenden konnten mit der Eisenbahn gratis zur Arbeit fahren.
  3. CWorkers got 6 weeks of holiday.Arbeitenden bekamen 6 Wochen Ferien.
  4. DThe factories became state property.Die Fabriken wurden Eigentum des Staates.

Why

The 48-hour week was one of the nine demands of the national general strike. It was introduced as early as 1919; before that, many people worked almost 60 hours a week.

Common mistakes

C: Workers got 6 weeks of holiday.
Holidays were not a main demand; even today, there is no legal right to 6 weeks of holiday in Switzerland.
D: The factories became state property.
The factories stayed in private hands; Switzerland did not nationalise its industry.

Topic

National general strike of 1918

During the First World War (1914 to 1918), many workers in Switzerland were badly off. Prices rose sharply, wages hardly at all. There was not enough food. Many people worked ten hours a day, six days a week. Many families could hardly pay for rent and food. The soldiers at the border also received little pay. Discontent grew, and there were more and more strikes.

History of Switzerland · The 20th century

Sources

Official question of the Canton of Zurich (Gemeindeamt, May 2025). Translation and explanation: Swiss Passport.