Investigation and Vindication, 1867–75

Abstract

Despite the Sheffield outrages trade unions were fast becoming ‘respectable’ (1) and an improved standard of living had eroded much of the earlier militancy (2). The Royal Commission on Trades Unions and Employers’ Associations, sitting from 1867 to 1869, became exactly what Applegarth, Allan and other leaders of the amalgamated societies hoped that it would: a platform for further projecting the moderate image of the large unions. Working closely with the Positivist Frederic Harrison (1831–1923), they were able to present unionism in a most favourable light, to diessociate most unionism from the excesses of Sheffield and to refute much of the hostile case presented by some employers.