Syndicalism in France

Key themes

The Nature of Revolutionary Syndicalism

This is the overarching theme, exploring syndicalism not just as a historical movement but as a distinct ideology. Lorwin delves into its core tenets: direct action, the general strike, anti-parliamentarism, and the vision of a society managed by producers' associations. The theme examines how these principles were articulated, debated, and put into practice by the C.G.T., distinguishing syndicalism from other forms of socialism.

Labor Movement and Class Struggle

Lorwin examines the French labor movement as a site of ongoing class struggle. This theme explores the historical conditions that fueled worker discontent, the strategies employed by labor to challenge capitalist and state power, and the ideological justifications for this struggle. It highlights the inherent conflict between workers and employers/the state, and how syndicalism offered a radical path to resolve this conflict.

Socialism, Reform, and Revolution

This theme explores the broader ideological landscape within which syndicalism emerged, particularly its relationship with various forms of socialism. Lorwin analyzes the tensions between reformist approaches (seeking change through existing political channels) and revolutionary ones (demanding fundamental societal overthrow). Syndicalism is presented as a distinctive revolutionary path, critical of both parliamentary socialism and purely economic reformism.

Worth discussing

How did the historical context of late 19th and early 20th-century France uniquely foster the development of revolutionary syndicalism?