From Peterloo to Chartism: The rise of the British working class
In this talk from last year’s Revolution Festival, Josh Holroyd discusses the rise of the working class in Britain, and the lessons from the revolutionary movement of the Chartists.
History
Marxists must study the history of the class struggle, so that we can apply the lessons in the struggle for communism today. Here, you can find our most recent historical articles. For theoretical articles, click here.
You can also visit our education hub to find a selection of articles, books, talks and reading guides.
The Black Death: The pandemic that changed the world
The Black Death of the 14th century dealt a mortal blow to the feudal system, which was decaying even before the plague hit. Similarly today, the COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the bankruptcy of capitalism – and the need for socialism.
Review: ‘Chartist Revolution’ by Rob Sewell – pre-order now!
Socialist Appeal and Wellred Books are proud to announce the release of a new book by Rob Sewell on the revolutionary movement of the Chartists. Here, Josh Holroyd reviews this exciting new publication. Pre-order your copy today!
Pardon me for striking!
A recent review into the Great Miners’ Strike has concluded that convicted miners in Scotland should receive a pardon. This highlights the pernicious use of the capitalist state against the labour movement. We must continue the fight for justice.
50 years since Allende’s election in Chile: Lessons for the future
50 years ago, the Allende government was elected in Chile. It carried out a host of radical reforms. But capitalism was not abolished. The tragic conclusion was the coup of 11 Sept 1973. We must remember this important episode from history.
The early years of the Communist Party
In this video from Revolution Festival 2019, Ben Gliniecki – writer for Socialist Appeal – discusses the beginnings of the Communist Party of Great Britain, which was founded 100 years ago on 31 July 1920.
Celebrate the centenary of the second congress of the Communist International
At this time 100 years ago, the Communist International held its second congress, with discussions and debates that laid the theoretical basis for the worldwide socialist movement. James Kilby looks back at this historic event.
The Shrewsbury 24: Decades on and still no justice
In 1973, two-dozen building workers were prosecuted for their role in picketing during a national construction strike. Decades later, some of these cases are finally being heard by the Court of Appeal. The fight for justice continues.
How British capitalism grew rich through slavery
The Black Lives Matter movement has helped to shine a light on Britain’s own racist, colonial history. Fiona Lali looks at the origins of British capitalism, which came into being – in the words of Marx – with “blood dripping from every pore”.
The fight against colonialism: then and now
In this talk from Revolution Festival 2019, Hamid Alizadeh – editor of In Defence of Marxism – discusses the fight against imperialism and colonialism.
The Merthyr Rising 1831: rage, rebellion and the red flag
In June 1831, a community of Welsh miners rose up against the ironmasters and defied the might of the British state, seizing control of their town for a full week, and flying the red flag for the first time on British soil.
BBC slanders the English Revolution: a reply by Alan Woods
We continue our series on the English Revolution by republishing Alan Woods’ response to a BBC documentary on the English Civil War. Subscribe to Marxist Voice to listen to Alan Woods’ podcast on this revolutionary episode.