The Early Labour Party Flashcards
The SDF
Social democratic federation, founded by Hyndman in 1884, who had converted to Marxism in 1881
Divided on whether conflict or propaganda was the best course of action to take
Lost support following violent Bloody Sunday riots in 1887
Support came from skilled workers in Lancashire and London
The Fabian society
Founded by Beatrice and Sydney Webb in 1884
A middle class organisation who believed capitalism was unjust and inefficient
Preferred permeation of other political parties rather than forming their own
Critical to the trade union movement however, in 1889 they had 2000 members whereas the trade union movement had 750000
Trade union developments
In 1851, new unionism developed for skilled workers like masons carpenters and engineers
From 1880s new unionism reached unskilled workers and there were successes
In 1891, the impact of the Great Depression hit and employers Baden less sympathetic to their workers
Why the Labour Party was socialist in origin
-The SDF and Fabian Society were the first attempted organised groups to promote the socialist ideal-they followed the teachings of Engels and Marx
-the newspaper ‘justice’ printed SDF ideals and was particularly popular in London and lancashire
-the Fabian society wanted to promote a peaceful, gradual change to socialism
-the SDF and Fabian Society were part of the independent Labour Party
-the ILP promoted socialism through its commitment to secure the collective and communal ownerships of all means of distribution production and exchange
Communal ownership was at the heart of the IlP’s ideals
Why the Labour Party was not socialist in origins
It was called labour rather than socialist to broaden its appeal
The SDF never reached more than 12k members Pearce claim Ed it’s real legacy was to prepare a communist party for Britain
The Fabian society wanted the permeation of other political institutions rather than forming their own
The labour representative committee
Founded in 1893 after the Lyons v Wilkins debate where picketing had become nearly impossible
Aimed to represent the workers through better working conditions, reversal of taff vale and social welfare legislation
Not at all socialist in origin
7 trade unionists, 4 from ILP, 2 from SDF and 1 from Fabian society
Taff vale judgement
1901- strike after Ewin (a worker) had not been granted higher wages- the judgement was that trade unions could be held accountable and compelled to pay any damage done by officials. Asrs took taff vale to court and they were not found guilty. Taff vale also used blackleg labour
This increased LRC membership from 350000 to 861000 by the end of 1902
Purely trade unionist-labour popularity increased due to this
Liberal party’s involvement in labour movement
Many leading liberals were involved in the labour movement (Ramsey Macdonald)
The Labour Party in 1906 came from the Lib-Lab pact in 1903 where labour had 50 candidates, 30 were unopposed and 29 were succesful
Seen as voting fodder for liberals in issues such as House of Lords reform and national insurance
Trade unions and Labour Party
Bevin-born out of bowels of trade unions
Membership 2k compared to 750k
Political representation more demanded in trade union groups
Trade unions had a more pragmatic approach-social reform etc.
Trade unions at Bradford in 93 during the formation of ILP
Unionism leaders were also part of socialist groups-tithe and throne members of SDF
agreed upon clause 4 of ILP- communal ownership
SDF and Fabian society not affiliated with ILP after merging
