Unit 4
Radicalism and Militancy, 1900 to 1920s

This unit continues the exploration of the period between 1890 and 1930 in Canada, but with a focus on radicalism, solidarity, and militancy among Canadian working people. Specific topics include the Industrial Workers of the World, the Winnipeg General Strike, the unions’ responses to the end of World War I, and the struggles of women unionists.

Objectives

After completing Unit 4, you should be able to

1. outline the beliefs of the Industrial Workers of the World.
2. explain the upsurge in labour militancy that occurred in Canada between 1917 and the early 1920s.
3. analyze the differences between men’s and women’s labour militancy and radicalism in the early 20th century.
4. describe the causes of the Winnipeg General Strike and the events that occurred during the strike.
5. explain why workers in Alberta coalmines sought militant and radical union organizations.