The ‘Old Model’ Strengthened

Abstract

ALTHOUGH the Webbs exaggerated the débâcle produced by the collapse of the ‘Grand National’, they recognised that ‘the Trade Union Movement was not absolutely left for dead when Owen quitted the field’ ([36] 168–79). In the trade boom of 1835–6, in fact, there was a good deal of union activity, including strikes by cotton spinners, potters, builders and engineers. This was followed, however, by severe depression, lasting until 1842–3, with heavy unemployment, wage reductions and loss of membership, which seriously weakened all trade societies. Nevertheless, the vigorous joint defence organised in support of the Glasgow cotton spinners and before the Select Commission on Combinations in 1837–8, and the widespread strikes in 1842, demonstrated that the movement was still by no means defunct.