What was significant about the Matchgirls strike?
Daniel Martin
Updated on May 01, 2026
Also know, who were the Matchgirls?
The story of the British matchstick girls who in 1888 took strike action against the dominating, patriarchal world of matchstick making isn't well known. But these were the women who worked 14 hours a day in the East End of London and who were exposed to deadly phosphorous vapours on a daily basis.
Beside above, what caused Phossy jaw? Phossy jaw, formally known as phosphorus necrosis of the jaw, was an occupational disease affecting those who worked with white phosphorus (also known as yellow phosphorus) without proper safeguards. It was caused by white phosphorus vapour, which destroys the bones of the jaw.
Just so, how did Annie Besant help the match girls?
Owned by the Salvation Army, this factory committed itself to using less toxic materials and to paying better wages. Tenacious in her belief in the match girls' cause, Besant helped the women set up a union and a social centre.
What dangerous chemical did Matchgirls work with?
phosphorous