The Industrial Revolution and the Labor Movement
TMA 10: The Industrial Revolution and the Labor Movement
Origins of the Labor Movement:
The labor movement was a collective effort initiated by workers to improve their working conditions and advocate for their rights. Workers formed associations to defend their interests, which later led to the recognition of their right to create trade unions. A significant step was the creation of the International Workingmen’s Association (IWA) in 1864, which aimed to unite labor organizations worldwide, although it ultimately failed. The primary tool of pressure used by workers was the strike, and their demands included reduced working hours, the abolition of child labor, improved working conditions, and the establishment of insurance for strikes, illness, and old age.
Major Labor Doctrines:
Marxism:
Marxism is the most important of the socialist theories. It owes its name to Karl Marx, who developed it with the collaboration of Friedrich Engels. Karl Marx used the term “surplus value” (the difference between what a worker produces and the wage received). Marxism argues that societies are determined by the development of their material forces and the existence of a permanent class struggle. In the mid-nineteenth century, this class struggle was concentrated in the confrontation between the bourgeoisie, who owned factories and other means of production, and the workers or proletariat. The triumph of the proletariat would come through a revolution that would liquidate capitalism and establish a dictatorship of the proletariat, which would regulate society and eventually lead to communism. In a communist society, social classes and private property would not exist, and the state would disappear. Marx advocated the intervention of labor organizations and political parties in the class struggle. This gave rise to socialist parties, whose development began in 1875. Their main demand was universal suffrage, as at that time workers did not have the right to vote.
Anarchism:
Anarchism is the rejection of any form of imposed organization on individuals. Anarchists oppose the state and aspire to replace it with voluntary associations. They also reject politics and participation in elections or political parties. A prominent anarchist was Mikhail Bakunin.
Achievements of the Labor Movement:
Governments began enacting laws to address the abuses of employers. These laws focused on three main areas:
- The work of women and children: banning child labor and granting maternity leave.
- Workplace accidents: obligating employers to compensate workers in case of accidents.
- Reduction of the workday to 8 hours.