Civilising capitalism : the Labor movement in New South Wales 1870-1900

Abstract

This book narrates and analyses the vital role of the trade unions of New South Wales, centred on the Trades and Labor Council, between 1870 and 1891, when they formed the parliamentary Labor Party. The author argues that the Labor movement was an integral social institution and successfully kept capitalism in check for a generation; but, at the beginning of the momentous 1890s, the unions found a triumphant capitalism beginning to lurch out of control. The problem for Labor then was to civilise capitalism, and as its means it established the Labor Party. Extraordinary electoral success in 1891 was immediately followed by troubles that would have destroyed a shallow-rooted political group. But the Labor Party survived, not least because it was a new kind of party, with a firm organisation outside parliament and a permanent program for progress, in great contrast with existing unstable parliamentary sects. The New South Wales Labor Party was the catalyst for the formation of modern political parties in Australia, but it belonged to its society and had to struggle to maintain its identity as it accomplished its reforming mission. In 1894-5, Labor formed a tacit partnership with the premier George Reid, and ushered in a hectic period in which New South Wales not only had its politics and society modernised, but was also prepared for Federation. In 1899 Labor asserted its autonomy by deposing Reid, and so began a new reform era. Bede Nairn{u2019}s scholarship, understanding and skill as a writer make this book an outstanding contribution to the history of Australian politics, social reform, parliamentary systems and nineteenth century New South Wales. Show more