Unionism And Cooperation Flashcards
1799
Combinations Act
Trade unions banned by Parliament
1823
Master and Servant Act
Government made it illegal to not fulfil a contract of work, punishable by prison
What is the National Union of Cotton Spinners?
1829
First effective national union in a single trade gaining massive support
Which act was passed in 1793?
Friendly Societies Act is passed.
Why was the Napoleonic Wars significant to unionism?
Fundamental to trade unionism because it created the environment for economic discontent to grow - encouraged unionism
London Printers 1793
Petitioned for masters to give an increase in fees due to rising cost of living - 539 signatures meant this was successful
When did Robert Owen take over New Lanark?
1799
Association of Weavers
- Weavers in Wigan organised an association as they wanted to stop wage reduction - 14 branches by 1799 in Lancashire
What happened in 1810?
Unionism strike that lasted more than 4 months
What was the Master and Servant Act?
1823 - made the breaking of a contract punishable by imprisonment
When did the Tolpuddle Martyrs case occur?
1834
How many Tolpuddle Martyrs?
6
Why were the Tolpuddle Martyrs rebelling?
Because they were being paid 6 shillings despite an average agricultural labourer’s wage being 10 shilling
What happened to the Tolpuddle Martyrs?
They were transported to Australia
When were the Tolpuddle Martyrs pardoned?
1836
2 reasons why people join trade unions?
Rights, wages.
What did employers make employees sign in the 1820s and 1830s to stop them joining a trade union?
The Document
When was the GNTCU established? (Grand National Consolidated Trade Union)
1834
Why did the GNTCU fail?
The Document, Whig opposition
Who founded the GNTCU?
Robert Owen
When was the Amending Act and what did it do?
- Made it harder to strike
Name 2 characteristics of New Model Unionism.
Skilled workers & small unions joining together to make a larger one
When were the Rochdale Pioneers established?
1844
When was the Amalgamated Society or Engineers founded?
1851
Why did the ASE succeed and the GNTCU fail?
Leadership of William Allen, elected executive council
What role did the ASE have in the London builders dispute?
1859-60
ASE donated 3 lots of £1000 to fund strikes
When was the first strike by ASE defeated?
1852
Why was New Model Unionism not successful for working class?
Divided skilled and unskilled workers
What organisation acted as a central body for trade unions in Britain?
- Trade Union Congress (TUC)
Name 3 practical steps Owen took to improve the lives of his workers.
Infant school, cooperative shop, better quality housing
