The Rise of International Labor Movements: 1848-1914
Addressing the Problems of the Working Class Internationally
The revolutions of 1848 made it clear to the working world that there was a need to create channels that would allow them to solve their problems, as these were common issues in all countries. The failure of the revolutions brought about the need to promote awareness among the mass of workers. In 1863, in London, a meeting was held in solidarity with Polish workers who had risen against Russia. This emotionally and ideologically joined the French and English workers, and so began the idea of holding an international congress of proletarians the following year.
Traditionally, a specific group of British workers has been held responsible for this call, but we cannot ignore the atmosphere in the France of Napoleon III. In addition to this situation, Masonry, and behind it, Karl Marx, played a role, though he never showed his face. On September 20, 1864, the first session of the First International Workingmen’s Association (IWA) opened in London. This meeting was attended by trade unionists, French anarchists, followers of Mazzini, migrants from different countries, lawyers, philanthropists, socialists of various trends, and some workers.
The First International and the Rise of Marxism
An interim committee was tasked with organizing the next meeting and further developing the bylaws of the association. Karl Marx appeared on this committee and put forward two key ideas:
- The emancipation of the working class must come from the working class itself.
- The working class cannot be indifferent to the seizure of political power.
These ideas were central to Marx’s thesis, as stated in his work, *The Communist Manifesto*. However, the variety of ideas and approaches within the First International led to clashes, ultimately ending with the addition of Marxism, which was expanding in Europe, especially in the cities, against the anarchists (led by Mikhail Bakunin), who were more prominent in less industrialized areas, particularly in the agricultural world. The result of this clash was the expulsion of Bakunin, who formed an alternative international.
The Paris Commune and its Impact
In 1870, amidst these struggles, the Franco-Prussian War broke out, shattering the unity of action of the First International as national interests took precedence. The following year, the Paris Commune, under Napoleon III, increased the distrust of states towards the labor movement, leading to repression and persecution.
The Commune was a labor insurrection in Paris that managed to control the city for over a month. They published a manifesto outlining their ideals for a new state. These ideals can be summarized in four key points:
- Creation of free municipalities and autonomous provinces.
- Adoption of the red flag as a symbol.
- Decree of separation of church and state.
- Implementation of advanced social regulations regarding work.
The Commune had a great impact on the world, as European workers saw their wishes come true for the first time. This encouraged them in their struggle. However, the government’s repressive measures, along with internal fragmentation and communication issues, led to the demise of the First International.
The Second International
A congress was convened in Paris, attended only by Marxist socialists, in memory of the anniversary of the French Revolution. This marked the beginning of the Second International. The picture of the working class in this Second International was very different from the First. It had adopted more flexible positions, and this agreement lasted until the outbreak of World War I in 1914. The war, coupled with a lack of internal cohesion among the proletarians, dealt an almost fatal blow to the working world.
A Third International emerged in the 20th century on the occasion of the Russian Revolution, but it was limited to communist proletarians and based in Moscow.