The Foundations of the British Labour Party (Studies in Labour History) Book

Interest in the Labor Party remains high, particularly following the unprecedented election of a third successive Labor government and amidst the on-going controversies that surround the New Labor project. Increasingly, the ideological basis of the Labor Party has come under scrutiny, with some commentators and party members emphasizing progressive traditions within the party, whilst others refer back to the trade union foundation of Labor. This volume brings together a group of scholars working within the field of labor history to consider the various elements that influenced the early Labor Party from its formation into the 1930s. The party's association with the trade union movement is explored through the railwaymen and mineworkers' unions, while further contributions assess the different ways in which the Independent Labor Party, the co-operative movement, liberalism, Christianity and the local party branches helped lay the foundations for Labor's growth from a parliamentary pressure group to a party of government.Read More