Switzerland General Strike, 1918 (b/w photo)

During the general strike of 11-14 November 1918, soldiers of the Swiss Army were stationed on the locomotives as security guards to maintain rail traffic. In view of the immense increase in the cost of living and the impoverishment of large sections of the working class, a trade union congress in July 1918 approved the eleven-point programme presented by the Olten Action Committee, which demanded, among other things, the restoration of freedom of assembly, women's suffrage and the eight-hour day. After the Federal Council rejected the demands of the Olten Committee and answered protest Rallies with military presence, the action committee called for an unlimited general strike. The military is used on the one hand against the demonstrating workers, on the other hand for the maintenance of the railway operation.