Franco-British communist solidarity in the miners’ strikes of 1926, 1948 and 1984-85

Twentieth Century Communism - ISSN 1758-6437
Volume 2022 Number 23

Franco-British communist solidarity in the miners’ strikes of 1926, 1948 and 1984-85
GAVIN BOWD pages 96-119

Abstract

The British and French communist movements have rarely been an object of comparison, partly because of the huge difference in fortunes enjoyed by the two parties. However, one important similarity between these neighbours was the size and importance of the countries’ coal industries, as well as the militancy of their mining communi-ties, where communism took root as a serious political and cultural force. This article examines acts of solidarity by British and French Communists during the most important miners’ strikes of their parties’ existence: the General Strike and Lockout of 1926, the French miners’ action of 1948, and the British miners’ last great struggle of 1984-1985. Through the study of archival documents, the press and other sources, we explore how these disputes constitute important moments in the history of British and French communism, as well as of their countries’ respective labour movements. The dispute of 1984-1985 marks a culmi-nating point that confirms the strengths and weaknesses of British and French communism’s relationship with the miners.

SORRY - you are not registered as being permitted online access to the full text of this article

You have the following options:

  1. If you are viewing this via an institution or academic library you can ask that your institution takes out a Subscription to this journal.
  2. If you already have a Personal Subscription please login below


    Forgotten your username / password? Click here to locate

  3. Purchase an annual Personal Subscription
    PRINT + DIGITAL personal subscription (£30 / year)
    DIGITAL personal subscription (£25 / year)
    A Personal Subscription provides immediate access not only to the single article you are seeking, but also to all past and future articles in this journal up to the expiry of your annual (calendar year) subscription.
  4. Purchase immediate access to this single article (UK£7.00) - Buy article Coming Soon

To cite this article
GAVIN BOWD (2022) Franco-British communist solidarity in the miners’ strikes of 1926, 1948 and 1984-85, Twentieth Century Communism, 2022(23), 96-119

Share this