8. Failures of Trade Unions Flashcards
How did the government support employers in the early 19th century?
Employers were backed by the government, as evidenced by the 1818 strike that was ended by the arrest of 5 members.
What was the outcome of the Bradford Combers and Weaver’s Union strike?
The strike failed after 23 weeks despite receiving £1500 from supporters.
What were the harsh punishments for joining a union in the early 19th century?
An example is the 6 Tolpuddle Martyrs who were sentenced to 7 years transportation to Botany Bay (NSW) or Tasmania in 1834.
When were the Tolpuddle Martyrs released, and what prompted their release?
Five were released in 1837 and one in 1839 after huge protests, including one at Copenhagen Fields on 21st April 1834, which attracted over 1 million people.
What significant event in 1833 impacted union activities, and what was its consequence?
The Grand National of 1833 led to the use of ‘the document’.
What were the Combination Acts of 1799-1824, and what change was made to them in 1800?
The Combination Acts of 1799-1824 made being a member of a trade union illegal. In 1800, they were amended to allow appeals to take place in local courts, speeding up the processes.
Which older legislation was often used for its harsher sentences, and what did it entail?
The Unlawful Oath Act of 1797 was often used instead for its harsher sentences.
What did the Master and Servant Act 1823 stipulate, and how was it applied in the context of strikes?
The Master and Servant Act 1823 made the breaking of a contract punishable by imprisonment, and this included failed strikes. Between 1857-1875, there were 10,000 prosecutions each year in England and Wales.
What rights did the Molestation of Workmen Act 1859 grant to workers, and what was a significant limitation of this act?
The Molestation of Workmen Act 1859 gave rights to workers who picketed peacefully but left the definition of ‘peaceful persuasion’ up to the courts.
When was the Master and Servant Act reformed, and what prompted calls for its repeal?
The Master and Servant Act was not reformed until 1867 despite calls from The Glasgow Trade Council to repeal it since 1858. Only some unfair elements were removed, and the act was not fully repealed until 1875.
What event led to a significant number of Irish workers coming to England and Wales in the mid-19th century?
The Irish Potato Famine of 1845-1852.
By 1861, how many Irish-born immigrant adults were there in England and Wales?
There were over 800,000 Irish-born immigrant adults in England and Wales.
How did the local community often treat Irish immigrants during strikes?
These immigrants were often abused by the local community and were referred to as ‘Knobsticks’.
What is the significance of the term ‘Knobsticks’ in the context of strikes?
‘Knobsticks’ refers to Irish immigrants who were often abused by the local community during strikes.
What specific event in 1866 involved the use of physical abuse against Irish immigrants?
During the Sheffield Saw Grinder’s Union in 1866, physical abuse was used against Irish immigrants.
