the winnipeg general strike Flashcards
during ww1, what was a constant problem that led to a rise in workers rights?
labour shortages
at the end of the war, 500 000 soldiers returned home, looking for work, causing ______________
worker’s rights to decline
what did many industrialists and politicians fear would sweep through Canada?
communism
what did communism cause in 1917?
the Bolshevik Revolution led by Vladimir Lenin
what did communism spread the idea of?
workers’ paradise where private ownership would be prohibited
what had reached an all time high with striking and collective bargaining rising
unions memberships
what were the two ideologies returning soldiers had and what was the mutual belief?
pro-reform and pro-union
anti-reform and anti-union / both wanted something good to come of war
what was the pro-reform and pro-union ideology?
change the social structure that led to war (business and politicians)
what was the anti-reform and anti-union ideology?
never change the structure again and go on with life as it is
what were some stresses workers had to deal with?
- high cost of living in relation to wages
- desired shorter hours
- denial of a union
- denial in collective bargaining
- insufficient/poor housing
- restrictions on freedom of speech
- extremely wealthy minority
- lack of equal education
who called for a city wide general strike to show soldier solidarity?
Winnipeg Trades and Labour Council
what were the main reasons of the strike?
for the right to have collective bargaining and for the recognition of unions
how did the government and the business community view the strike?
a communist revolt led by shady European immigrants
when did the strike begin?
May 15, 1919
how many workers walked off the job?
30 000
