Forward March of Labour 1.2 Flashcards
Summarise the three socialist groups?
SDF - Social Democratic Federation:
=> Led by Hyndman.
=> Unable to work with most as he saw them as not radical enough.
=> Promoted Marxism, via means of revolution for socialism.
=> Most support in London, dominated the London trade councils. (These contained members of different unions).
Fabians Society:
=> Led by Beatrice and Sydney Wells.
=> Opposed capitalism as it produced an unjust and inefficient society.
=> Believed in permeation/ gradualism of ideas, use of peaceful methods to achieve socialism.
=> Produced reports and books on social issues -> persuade those of infliuence.
=> Little interest in working with unions/ establishing a party.
Independent Labour Party (ILP) - 1893:
=> Based in the Industrial North.
=> Led by Hardie after founding conference in Bradford.
=> Lost in all 28 constituencies in 1895 .
Influence of the socialist groups?
=> SDF: Promoted radical ideas with an independent working class.
=> Fabians: Propagandists, who would later influence the design and direction of the Labour party.
=> ILP: Showed that it was possible for independent candidates to beat other parties (1892).
Approach of TUC and model unions in 1880s?
=> TUC (Trade union congress) worked with Parliamentary committee representing organised labour.
=> Both had little interest in working towards an independent political party, preferred to support Gladstone - ‘Tail of the Great Liberal party.’ Focused on own interests.
Outline the high-profile strikes of the 1880s?
London docks strikes:
=> Seeked improved wages, Australian dockers sent £30,000 to help keep strikes - solidarity.
=> Successful, achieved dockers tanner -> Secured a minimum wage.
Match Girls: 1887
=> Occured at Byrant and May.
=> White Phosphorous was cheap but dangerous, red was expensive but safe. Led to development of phossy jaw which could cause bone cancer.
=> Strike after Annie Besant exposed the industry, also after the sacking of colleagues.
=> Significant as it was self-organised, they set up a union afterwards, inspired others to strike, worked with Fabians.
=> Won the strikes => Ended the fine system and re-employed those who had been sacked.
=> BUT limited impact as white phosphorus continued to be used.
Gasworkers union:
=> Achieved the 8 hour day VS the 10.5 hour normal day by Disraeli at this time.
Opposition towards closed shop and collective bargaining?
=> Restricted employer’s right to manage.
=> Would lead to increased wages having to be paid.
Reaction of employers to trade union to the 1890s? Common ground between model unions and new unions?
=> Employers were hostile to unions during this time, as strike action attempted to enforce the closed shops. These were all defeated. (1890 and 93 in ports).
=> Took action in response such as lock-outs to achieve wage cuts against model unions. (E.g coal)
=> National Free Labour Association sent scabs to break strikes.
=> Both types of union were now threatened by employers/ legal challenges and changed their approaches.
=> New unions became more careful when pursuing industrial action.
=> Model unions opened up their membership rules.
Response to TUC to ILP in 1895?
=> By 1895, still had not accepted the need for independent labour representation, let alone socialism.
=> Changed rules of TUC to minimise socialism influence.
=> Hindered movement as need for union support.
Significance of Lyons V Wilkins for trade unions?
=> The high court interpreted the 1875 Trade Union Act in a way that severely restricted the right to picket. -> Limited ability to strike, with little interest in Con or Lib to change this.
Who was the LRC? What was its purpose? Who did it involve and who was it dominated by? Was it successful?
=> The LRC was the Labour Representation Committee founded in 1900.
=> It pushed for more working class representation in Parliament to reverse such laws.
=> Involved the 3 socialist groups but still dominated by trade unions. SDF (2) ILP (1) Fabians (1) Trade Unions (7).
=> But though some unions affiliated with this, the big two, cotton and coal did not -> Loss off funds and support here.
=> Only 2/15 candidates put forward, with one defecting.
Significance of the Taff Vale judgement for trade unions, trade union affiliations to the LRC and the political consequences for the LRC?
=> Taff Vale in 1901 was significant as a successful railway company was sued for a successful strike due to damages ‘economic loss’ of the company.
=> Even a successful strike could bankrupt a company. (Total for damages and legal costs = £43,000).
=> Led to rapid affiliation of trade unions with the LRC as Taff Vale was a threat to all.
=> Led to formation and growth, highlighted need for political representation. -> Ended up working with liberals.
How did the Liberals and Conservatives contribute to the political strength of the LRC by 1903?
=> Conservatives did nothing really.
=> Liberals: LRC and Liberals agreed on a secret electoral pact. PROGRESSIVE ALLIANCE - 30 LRC candidates would stand unopposed and LRC would support Liberals in government if elected.
Strengths and weaknesses of Labour in the progressive alliance?
Strengths:
=> Increasing political representation and political involvement
Weaknesses:
=> Dependent on Liberal to achieve electoral success and wanted to be independent.
=> Still lacked national support.
Results of 1906 GE for LRC?
=>29 successful candidates out of 50. One Lib-Lab MP joined them.
=> Adopted name of ‘Labour Party’ from then on in HOC.
Legislative achievement of 1906-13? Who did they benefit?
=> Trades Dispute Act 1906 - Reversed Taff Vale. Benefited Unions.
=> Trade Union Act 1913 - Reversed Osbourne. - Benefited unions. - Now they had to opt out.
=> Payment of MPs Act 1911 - Helped with working class representation. - Benefited unions and W/C.
Labour as….
A) A party with socialists in it?
B) Dominated by trade unions?
A) Representatives were made up of those from socialist groups like the SDF, Fabians and ILP. Ideas of reformist socialism in the Labour party -> Achieved by peaceful means, social reforms could be obtained via Parliament.
B) Dominated by unions to promote the interests of the Labour movement. Socialist groups were outnumbered in the LRC, who had collaborated with Liberals to form the Labour party.
=> Reflected in the legislative changes. 2/3 legislation only benefited unions. -> Trades Dispute ACt 1906 and Trade Union Act 1913.
=> Candidates were also primarily that of trade unions.
