Trades unions and the labour movement more generally have often been active in campaigns for universal suffrage and greater democracy, although protecting the interests of union members has at times led to illiberal policies. The growth of an international dimension to socialism in the nineteenth century has led to unions proving support for causes in other countries. These objects relate to the history of trades unions from their beginnings to the early AD 2000s.
Peterloo banner
Some historians argue that the Peterloo Massacre of 1819 was an important factor in giving rise to the Chartist Movement, from which the trade union movement developed.
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© Courtesy of the People’s History Museum
The Ipswich Dockers Union was formed after the Great Dock Strike of AD 1889.
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© Courtesy of the People’s History Museum
National Winding and General Engineers Society; AD 1926.
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Support for the National Union of Mineworkers during the strikes of AD 1984 – 5.
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National Union of Railwaymen opposing apartheid; AD 1986.
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Stickers for members of the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers to wear to support the Labour Party; AD 2005.
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