ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses that in which the origins and the evolution of the Amsterdam International are placed in their historical context. It introduces the leading figures and organisations and describes their ideas and actions. The chapter focuses on one particular aspect of the International Federation of Trade Unions (iftu) in greater detail. It discusses the history of the iftu based on original archival research, the absence of the organisation's archives presented a serious impediment. The chapter provides elements for further research, which should extend beyond the purely institutional history of the various organisations, and concentrate on the questions of how and why national trade unions set up and maintained international alliances and partnerships. The International Federation of Trade Unions was founded in July 1919 in Amsterdam. This 'Amsterdam International' declared war on war and wanted to liberate the workers from capitalism. The iftu was an umbrella organisation of national trade unions and maintained relations with friendly international trade secretariats.
