Trade Unionism - Key Individuals

Question 1

Manny Shinwell - Who was he?

Answer 1

A Glaswegian working class trade-unionist – had an interest in Marxism

Question 2

Manny Shinwell - Role - Leader of what and which union?

Answer 2

• A leader of the TUs in Glasgow
• Heavily involved in the sailors’ union

Question 3

Manny Shinwell - Role - Role during the 40 hour strike?

Answer 3

Leader of the 40 hour strike – gave a speech and was present in the fighting – served 5 months in prison for ‘inciting large crowds of persons to form part of a riotous mob’

Question 4

Many Shinwell - Role - When Lab MP?

Answer 4

Based on his support from workers, he was elected as a Lab MP in 1922 and 1928

Question 5

Many Shinwell - Significance? (3)

Answer 5

• Figurehead for the TU movement
• As a Lab MP, he gave the TUs parliamentary representation
• Moderate voice in the TU movement

Question 6

James Maxton - Who was he?

Answer 6

A Glaswegian school teacher who was a firm believer in socialism

Question 7

James Maxton - Role - Which society was he central to the formation of, relationship with other Glaswegian socialists, political affiliation?

Answer 7

• Central to formation of Scottish Socialist Teachers’ Society
• Worked closely with other Glaswegian socialists like Shinwell
• On the left of the ILP

Question 8

James Maxton - Role - Attitude towards conscription, what happened in 1922 and 1926?

Answer 8

• Opposed conscription and spent one year in prison for organising strikes against conscription
• Elected as a Lab MP in 1922 – he was a trouble-causing MP who was vocally critical of Con MPs
• Leader of the ILP from 1926

Question 9

James Maxton - Significance (4)

Answer 9

• A very radical, vocal leader of TUs and Labour
• Provided a voice for the radical left against Lab PM Ramsey McDonald’s moderate Lab policies
• His campaign slogan ‘Socialism in our time’ was hugely popular with Lab supporters
• Leader of the ILP during the 1926 General Strike