Pearson Edexcel · A-Level · History
Course version: 9HI0 · Version from Sept 2015
Ireland and the Union, c1774–1923 - 5 Improving working and living…
Full specification wording
Paper 3, Option 36.2: Ireland and the Union, c1774–1923 - 5 Improving working and living conditions: trades union militancy in Ireland, 1907–14: The role of British trade unions in the attempts to unionise workers in Ireland and in the Dublin general strike.
British trade unions, particularly the National Union of Railwaymen and the Trades Union Congress, supported Irish unionisation efforts by providing financial aid, organising solidarity actions,…
Checked against the Pearson Edexcel 9HI0 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 3 of 3
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
British trade unions, particularly the National Union of Railwaymen and the Trades Union Congress, supported Irish unionisation efforts by providing financial aid, organising solidarity actions, and sending speakers. During the Dublin general strike (1913–14), British unions sent food ships and funds to sustain locked-out workers, but their support was limited by their own industrial disputes and political priorities. The British TUC passed resolutions in support but did not call a sympathetic general strike. This assistance helped sustain the ITGWU temporarily but ultimately could not prevent defeat. The episode revealed both the potential and the limits of international union solidarity, influencing future Irish labour strategies.
What earns the marks
- Identifies specific British unions involved, such as the National Union of Railwaymen and the Trades Union Congress.
- Explains the forms of support: financial donations, food shipments, and public meetings.
- Analyses the limitations of British union support, including lack of a sympathetic strike and competing domestic issues.
- Evaluates the impact of British aid on the duration and outcome of the Dublin strike.
- Assesses how British involvement shaped Irish union attitudes towards reliance on external support.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Assuming British unions called a general strike in sympathy.
Put it right: They provided aid but did not strike en masse.
Overestimating the amount of financial support.
Put it right: While significant, it was insufficient to win the dispute.
Ignoring the role of the TUC.
Put it right: The TUC coordinated some support and debated the issue, though action was limited.
Exam tips
- Name key British unions and their contributions to show detailed knowledge.
- Balance the analysis by discussing both the help given and its limitations.
- Connect British involvement to the wider theme of trade union militancy in Ireland, showing how external support influenced local outcomes.
Try the lesson
The start of the Paper 3, Option 36.2: Ireland and the Union, c1774–1923 - 5 Improving working and living conditions: trades union militancy in Ireland, 1907–14: The role of British trade unions in the attempts to unionise workers in Ireland and in the Dublin general strike. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
Which British trade union body debated, but declined to take all-out sympathetic action in support of, the Dublin locked-out workers in 1913?
Listen
British trade unions, particularly the National Union of Railwaymen and the Trades Union Congress, supported Irish unionisation efforts by providing financial aid, organising solidarity actions, and sending speakers. During the Dublin general strike (1913–14), British unions sent food ships and funds to sustain locked-out workers, but their support was limited by their own industrial disputes and political priorities. The British TUC passed resolutions in support but did not call a sympathetic general strike. This assistance helped sustain the ITGWU temporarily but ultimately could not prevent defeat. The episode revealed both the potential and the limits of international union solidarity, influencing future Irish labour strategies. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Identifies specific British unions involved, such as the National Union of Railwaymen and the Trades Union Congress. Explains the forms of support: financial donations, food shipments, and public meetings. Analyses the limitations of British union support, including lack of a sympathetic strike and competing domestic issues. Evaluates the impact of British aid on the duration and outcome of the Dublin strike. A common slip: Assuming British unions called a general strike in sympathy. Instead, they provided aid but did not strike en masse. Exam tip: Name key British unions and their contributions to show detailed knowledge.
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
Solidarity and international trade unionism
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
The limits of external support in local disputes
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
The relationship between British and Irish labour movements
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
The role of the Trades Union Congress in Irish affairs
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
See every definition
- Solidarity and international trade unionism
- Support from British unions through financial aid, solidarity actions and speakers revealed both the potential and the limits of international union solidarity.
- The limits of external support in local disputes
- British support was limited by their own industrial disputes and political priorities, and ultimately could not prevent defeat.
- The relationship between British and Irish labour movements
- British unions supported Irish unionisation efforts, and the episode influenced future Irish labour strategies and attitudes towards reliance on external support.
- The role of the Trades Union Congress in Irish affairs
- The Trades Union Congress coordinated some support and passed resolutions in support but did not call a sympathetic general strike.
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