Anarcho-syndicalism

Question 1

How anarcho syndicalism can be considered an extension of collectivist though?

Answer 1

• Builds on Bakunin’s view of collectivism and his strategy of propaganda by the deed. View the trade union movement as the revolutionary agent of change, building institutions within the parameters of the state which are horizontal and not hierarchical.
• Will prepare the way for the mass strike as propaganda by the deed to trigger a social revolution. George Sorel referred to ‘myth of the general strike’.

Question 2

What is the best example of anarcho syndlicalism?

Answer 2

• National Confederation of Labour in Catalonia which formed a non hierarchical, horizontal federation of many syndicates and unions in 1911. Propaganda by deeds occurred during the Spanish works’ revolution of 1936 with the CNT implementing their ideas
• George Orwell, Homage to Catalonia (1938), ‘an era of equality and freedom’ where ‘human beings were trying to behave as human beings and not as cogs in the capitalist machine’
• However CNT was ultimately crushed by the Nationalists under General Franco in 1937

Question 3

How do anarcho syndicalists view human nature?

Answer 3

• Share a similar view of human nature to that of other collectivist anarchists (rational, cooperative and altruistic) however lay greater stress on mankind’s potential capacity for social solidarity.
• Believed that occupation would be the basis of a voluntary community as the solidarity of such groups made them natural bases for a coherent society.