Setting the Scene 1880–1920

This chapter discusses the militancy of the period, staring with the Great Dock Strike of 1881and the expansion of ‘new unionism’ to unskilled workers. It examines the mass militancy of the ‘great unrest’, its continuation during WW1 and the impact of the Russian Revolution. This, and the employers’ counter-offensive, set the scene for the impetus to initiate trade union alliances (the Triple Alliance of transport, rail and coal unions), and TU amalgamations. The chapter also looks at political responses resulting ultimately in the foundation of the Labour Party and the Communist Party.