Corporate Policing, Yellow Unionism, and Strikebreaking, 1890-1930: In Defence of Freedom

This book explores the complex and multifaceted experiences of anti-labour mobilisation, from the pre-war period to the 1930s, tracing the formation of a market for corporate policing, private contracted security, and yellow unionism. It also reconstructs the diverse spectrum of right-wing patriotic leagues and vigilante corps that sought to counter industrial militancy and revolutionary situations. By adopting a long-term chronology, the book sheds light on the shocks and strains that marked industrial societies during their transition into mass politics.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 01 August 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into a comparative and transnational exploration of the intricate and multifaceted dynamics of anti-labour mobilisation,spanning from the tumultuous social conflicts of the pre-war era to the seismic upheavals of war,revolution,and the turbulent 1920s and 1930s. It traces the emergence of a vast market for corporate policing,privately contracted security,and yellow unionism,as well as the professionalisation of strikebreaking activities,labour espionage,and surveillance. It reconstructs the diverse spectrum of right-wing patriotic leagues and vigilante corps that sought to counter the dual threats of industrial militancy and revolutionary situations,either in support of or in competition with law enforcement agencies. While significant research has been conducted on the rise of socialist parties and trade unions,the repressive policies of their opponents have largely been overlooked. This book fills this gap by reconstructing the methods and strategies employed by state authorities and employers to counter outbreaks of labour militancy on a global scale. Adopting a long-term chronology,it sheds light on the shocks and strains that marked industrial societies during their turbulent transition into mass politics,from the bitter social conflicts of the pre-war period to the epochal tremors of war and revolution,and the violent spasms of the 1920s and 1930s. This unique perspective offers valuable insights into the violent transition to mass politics in industrial societies,making it of utmost interest to scholars of policing,unionism,and striking in the modern era. The Open Access version of this book,accessible at http://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/e/9780429354243,has been made freely available under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial licence.

Weight: 550g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367701178