Historical eventJanuary 311919

Battle of George Square

Intense rioting over labour conditions broke out in Glasgow, Scotlan.

Everything on January 31Original source

In context

When
Friday, January 31 1919107 years ago
Category
Historical eventA dated happening — a battle, treaty, launch, discovery, disaster or decision — recorded on this calendar day.
Era
20th century · 1910s
Recorded from
Wikipedia “On this day” feed

At a glance

Dates: From 1919.

What happened

The Battle of George Square was a violent confrontation in Glasgow, Scotland between City of Glasgow Police and striking workers, centred around George Square. The "battle", also known as "Bloody Friday" or "Black Friday", took place on Friday 31 January 1919, shortly after the end of the First World War. During the riot, the Sheriff of Lanarkshire called for military aid, and government troops, supported by six tanks, were moved to key points in the city, though troops never clashed with the rioters.

January 31 through the years

Other entries on the same calendar day, in order.

  1. 1919Battle of George Square
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  7. 2019Abdullah of Pahang
  8. 2020United Kingdom
  9. 2022Sue Gray, Baroness Gray of Tottenham
  10. 2023Boeing 747
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Also in 1919

  • September 13Boston police strikeThe Boston police strike ended after four days of rule by the state militia, the deaths of nine people, and accusations that striking off…
  • May 4May Fourth MovementThe May Fourth Movement began in China with large-scale student demonstrations in Tiananmen Square, Beijing.
  • June 17Epsom riotHundreds of Canadian soldiers rioted in Epsom, England, leading to the death of a British police officer.
  • January 5German Workers' PartyThe German Workers' Party, the precursor of the Nazi Party, was founded by Anton Drexler.
  • December 26Babe RuthAmerican baseball player Babe Ruth (pictured) was sold by the Boston Red Sox to their rivals, the New York Yankees, beginning the 84-year…
  • June 2First Red ScareFirst Red Scare: The anarchist followers of Luigi Galleani (pictured) set off eight bombs in eight cities across the United States.
  • August 8Third Anglo-Afghan WarThe Third Anglo-Afghan War ended with the United Kingdom signing a treaty to recognise the independence of the Emirate of Afghanistan.
  • June 15John Alcock (RAF officer)John Alcock and Arthur Brown complete the first nonstop transatlantic flight when they reach Clifden, County Galway, Ireland.

Everything we record for 1919 →

Sources

Cite this page

“Battle of George Square”, What's On This Date, https://whatsonthisdate.com/app/event/battle-of-george-square-1919-january-31, accessed October 27, 2026.

Cite the underlying source as well — the source links above go to the record this entry is adapted from.

Questions about this entry

When did Battle of George Square happen?

January 31 1919 — 107 years ago, on a Friday.

Where does this text come from?

Wikipedia “On this day” feed. Summaries are short adaptations that link back to the source, not reprints.

How do I cite this page?

Use the ready-made citation near the sources at the bottom of the page, and follow the source link to cite the underlying record as well.

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