The General Confederation of Labour (CGT), founded in 1895, stands as a testament to the strength and influence of labor organizations around the globe. Established in Limoges, the CGT made a conscious decision to steer clear of political entanglements, focusing solely on the unification of workers. This approach led to the spread of revolutionary sentiments among laborers, culminating in a wave of strikes in 1906. The CGT’s impact on the labor movement has been profound, shaping the course of worker rights and industrial relations for over a century.
Growth and Influence of the CGT
The CGT’s evolution between the World Wars was marked by its resilience in the face of global upheaval. Despite the devastation of the First World War, labor movements persisted across Europe’s parliamentary democracies. The CGT, in particular, underwent significant changes during this period. In Britain, technological advancements led to widespread job losses, resulting in chronic unemployment. This economic turmoil compelled the Labour Party, influenced by its socialist faction, to seek governmental power in 1923 and again in 1929 with the assistance of the Liberal Party. Despite these efforts and the support of strikes, neither the trade unions nor the Labour Party could effectively address the economic challenges of the times.
In France, the labour movement experienced similar difficulties. The CGT saw a shift in its membership, with an influx of mostly unskilled workers holding diverse socialist beliefs. This new demographic within the CGT prompted a strategic shift in late 1918 when the organization unveiled a new program. The program demonstrated a readiness to consider the government as a collaborator, advocating for the rationalization of key industries.
Labour Movements in Post-War Europe
Following the end of the First World War, European labour movements had to adapt to the altered political and economic landscapes. The CGT’s new program reflected a broader trend among labor organizations to seek more collaborative relationships with governments. This approach aimed to achieve greater efficiency and productivity within crucial sectors of the economy. However, the effectiveness of these strategies varied across different countries and contexts.
In Britain, the Labour Party’s reliance on liberal support to form governments in the 1920s highlighted the complexity of political alliances in times of economic hardship. The persistent issue of unemployment underscored the limitations of strikes and political maneuvering in addressing deep-seated economic problems.
France’s labour movement faced its own set of challenges. The transformation of the CGT’s membership base signaled a change in the organization’s dynamics. The presence of unskilled workers with a range of socialist ideologies introduced new perspectives and potential conflicts within the movement. Despite these internal changes, the CGT’s willingness to engage with the government indicated a strategic pivot towards seeking systemic reforms through negotiation and partnership.
Questions for UPSC
1. How did the changing composition of the CGT’s membership in the post-World War I era influence its strategies and objectives?
2. What were the main challenges faced by the Labour Party in Britain during the interwar period, and how did they attempt to address them?
3. In what ways did the CGT’s 1918 program reflect a shift in the role of labor movements in relation to the government, and what implications did this have for the future of industrial relations in France?