Britain Booklet 4 Flashcards
(44 cards)
What were knobsticks?
Workers who refused to do the strikes e.g. immigrants with little money
What was the Grand National?
The Grand National was a consolidated trade union, and was the most successful one before 1834 and it had over one million members
How many members of the Grand National actually paid the fees?
16,000 out of 1 million
How did the Grand National fail the mill workers in Derby 1834?
1500 mill workers in Derby were locked out of their work place for failing to leave their unions, despite lasting four months without pay, they eventually returned to work because they weren’t supported enough by the Grand National
What was the ‘Document’?
The Document was a piece of paper workers were expected to sign which renounced their commitment to any union
What did the combination act do?
The combination act prohibited any trade unions being created
When were the combination acts repealed?
1824
What was the ASE?
Amalgamated Society of Engineers, founded in 1851
Which three unions combined to form the ASE?
Old Mechanics, the Steam Engine Makers’ Society and the General Smiths, this was the beginning of New Model Unionism
How did the ASE support London Builders?
The ASE gave three donations of £1000 which allowed them to hold out for six months
This forced a compromise with the employers
This showed the effectiveness of NMU
What is another example of an NMU that isn’t ASE?
ASCJ, Amalgamated society of carpentry and joiners
What was a limitation of NMUs?
Smaller local trade unions that couldn’t afford to join an NMU were left behind
NMUs would only operate in 1 specific trade
Why were trade councils created?
Trade Councils offered a broader form for union activity
Wider geographical area to promote the ideas of an industry within that area
Creating city-wide organisations
What was the Sheffield meeting?
Arranged by William Dranford
Series of violent actions undertaken by militant members of the Saw Grinders’ Union in Sheffield to secure better working conditions
What are Trade Councils?
Groups of local trade unions that form together in a geographical area to promote the interest of that industry in that area
How many workers had joined a trade union by 1874?
1 million
What was the molestation of workmen act, 1859?
Gave rights to workers who picketed peacefully during strikes but left the definition of ‘peaceful persuasion’ to the courts
How did the 1867 reform act help workers?
Many of the skilled workers gained the vote
What did the Trade Union Act, 1871 do?
Completely legalized trade unions
Who was Robert Owen?
Robert Owen was an industrialist and a committed reformer who believed strongly in the principle of education and the importance of providing welfare for his employees
What were some of the key features in Robert Owen’s New Lanark
Abolished punishments
Working day was shortened to 12 hours including a 1 1/2 hour break
No children under the age of 10 could work
A shop was opened selling high quality good at little more than cost price
Free education on site for children
How much annual profit did Robert Owen make at New Lanark?
In 1834, he boasted £300,000 annual profit
By 1832, how many cooperative stores were there in Britain
500
What were Co-Operatives?
Co-Operatives were an alternative for people which meant they had more control and felt part of a larger community, they were popular because they were run by people interested in the well being of their customers. People who helped out co-operatives received a dividend for being involved to ensure the long term survival of the store
