Anarchism and Labor Movement: History & Key Events
Anarchism
Anarchism, with figures like Makinmer Miguel, emerged as a distinct ideology. It split from Marxist socialism, advocating for federal communes created by employees. Anarchists rejected state and party politics, favoring secret associations and free trade unions.
Training of the Labor Movement
The labor movement’s training involved both discrete actions and union strikes. Early forms included riots with popular patterns and threats to destroy machinery. Workers formed partnerships, and unions arose, particularly in Great Britain. Reformist parties emerged, such as the UGT in Spain. The German model of strikes replaced riots.
Political Action: Voting and Party
The Chartism movement (1831-1848) aimed to improve workers’ conditions through political means. From 1871, workers’ parties, often Marxist, appeared to represent the proletariat, following the German social model.
International Workers’ Associations
The establishment of May 1st as a workers’ day was a significant event. Before 1914, there were two attempts at international unity among workers’ associations:
- First International: Established in London, it dissolved in 1872 due to disputes between Marx and Bakunin over political action, the role of the state, and the Paris Commune. This division led to the split between socialism and anarchism.
- Second International: Formed in Paris and led by Karl Kautsky, it held congresses addressing imperialism and war. A planned strike to stop troops failed, and the organization was ultimately dismantled.
Anarchism
Anarchism, with figures like Makinmer Miguel, emerged as a distinct ideology. It split from Marxist socialism, advocating for federal communes created by employees. Anarchists rejected state and party politics, favoring secret associations and free trade unions.
Training of the Labor Movement
The labor movement’s training involved both discrete actions and union strikes. Early forms included riots with popular patterns and threats to destroy machinery. Workers formed partnerships, and unions arose, particularly in Great Britain. Reformist parties emerged, such as the UGT in Spain. The German model of strikes replaced riots.
Political Action: Voting and Party
The Chartism movement (1831-1848) aimed to improve workers’ conditions through political means. From 1871, workers’ parties, often Marxist, appeared to represent the proletariat, following the German social model.
International Workers’ Associations
The establishment of May 1st as a workers’ day was a significant event. Before 1914, there were two attempts at international unity among workers’ associations:
- First International: Established in London, it dissolved in 1872 due to disputes between Marx and Bakunin over political action, the role of the state, and the Paris Commune. This division led to the split between socialism and anarchism.
- Second International: Formed in Paris and led by Karl Kautsky, it held congresses addressing imperialism and war. A planned strike to stop troops failed, and the organization was ultimately dismantled.