ABSTRACT
The associations of working men referred to may be divided broadly into four main groups. First, there are the trade unions, or organizations formed by workmen for mutual protection and the regulation of their relations with their employers. These societies, which are the subject of the present work, constitute that form of labour organization which is in the highest degree peculiar to the English working man. From 1860 onwards trade unionism was increasingly active, and the aggressive policy of some societies and the intimidation and violence practised by their members led to the appointment of the Royal Commission of 1867 to inquire into the nature of trade unions and the charges brought against them. As early as 1886 the renewed activity of trade unionism had become apparent by the large number of unions founded. Indeed, of the 1,282 unions in existence at the end of 1897, nearly half (640) were founded during the ten years 1888-1897.
