The Transformation of Social Structures and Relations during the Industrial Revolution

Based on a lecture by Michel Oris

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Economic and social history of globalisation, 16th-21st centuries

Agrarian Structures and Rural Society: Analysis of the Preindustrial European Peasantry ● The demographic regime of the Ancien Régime: homeostasis ● Evolution of Socioeconomic Structures in the Eighteenth Century: From the Ancien Régime to Modernity ● Origins and causes of the English industrial revolution ● Structural mechanisms of the industrial revolution ● The spread of the Industrial Revolution in continental Europe ● The Industrial Revolution beyond Europe: the United States and Japan ● The social costs of the Industrial Revolution ● Historical Analysis of the Cyclical Phases of the First Globalisation ● Dynamics of National Markets and the Globalisation of Product Trade ● The Formation of Global Migration Systems ● Dynamics and Impacts of the Globalisation of Money Markets : The Central Role of Great Britain and France ● The Transformation of Social Structures and Relations during the Industrial Revolution ● The Origins of the Third World and the Impact of Colonisation ● Failures and Obstacles in the Third World ● Changing Methods of Work: Evolving Production Relationships from the End of the Nineteenth to the Middle of the Twentieth Century ● The Golden Age of the Western Economy: The Thirty Glorious Years (1945-1973) ● The Changing World Economy: 1973-2007 ● The Challenges of the Welfare State ● Around colonisation: fears and hopes for development ● Time of Ruptures: Challenges and Opportunities in the International Economy ● Globalisation and modes of development in the "third world"

The period from 1850 to 1914 witnessed a radical change in human interaction and in the relationship between societies and their environment. Marking the dawn of the first era of globalisation, this period saw the increasing integration of national economies and a profound transformation of social structures and relationships. It was characterised by unprecedented economic growth and development, stimulated by the emergence of new technologies, the rise of innovative industrial sectors, and the constitution of an interconnected global market. At the same time, this period was marked by major social upheavals, notably with the rise of labour movements and the spread of democratic ideals and human rights. This era of globalisation has created a multitude of opportunities and challenges for people around the world, and its legacy continues to influence our contemporary society.

Until 1880, the balance of power between employers and employees was profoundly asymmetrical, with employers holding considerable power. Chapelier's Law, passed in 1791 in France and followed by similar legislation in the UK in 1800, prohibited any form of association or coalition between individuals working in the same trade. Until around 1850, this law greatly favoured employers, giving them the upper hand in disputes with their employees. At the same time, any attempt at collective action was systematically suppressed.

The large company

The second half of the 18th century marked the start of the Industrial Revolution, a major historical turning point, mainly in Europe. This period was characterised by dazzling economic and technological changes that revolutionised production methods. The advent of new machines and the adoption of innovative manufacturing processes were the driving forces behind this transformation. The impact of the Industrial Revolution on the entrepreneurial landscape was considerable. Many small businesses, previously limited in their production capacity and scope, have seized the opportunity offered by these technological advances. Thanks to the increased efficiency and reduced production costs made possible by these innovations, these businesses were able to expand rapidly, evolving into larger commercial entities. This corporate expansion has not only reshaped the economic landscape, but has also had a profound impact on society in general. The growth of large companies has led to increased urbanisation, changes in work structures and a transformation of social and economic dynamics. The Industrial Revolution paved the way for the modern industrial age, laying the foundations for the business practices and organisational structures we know today.

The emergence of large companies during the Industrial Revolution was largely facilitated by the increased availability of capital and an abundant workforce. As the economy grew, a significant amount of capital became available, allowing companies to invest massively in new technologies and expand their operations. These investments, essential for the adoption of steam engines and mass production equipment, played a crucial role in business expansion. Financial markets, including banks and stock exchanges, played a vital role in facilitating this access to capital. At the same time, population growth led to a surplus of labour. The transition from an agrarian to an industrial economy led to a massive movement of rural populations to the cities in search of jobs in the new factories. This abundant supply of labour was essential to the operation and expansion of industrial enterprises, enabling an unprecedented increase in production. These favourable conditions, combined with technological innovation and a favourable political environment, created an optimal framework for the growth of large companies, marking a radical transformation in the economy and society of the period.

In the second half of the 18th century, the emergence of big business was the result of a convergence of economic, technological and social transformations. This period, marked by the Industrial Revolution, saw the world economy undergo a spectacular metamorphosis, mainly in Europe. The increased availability of capital played a key role, enabling companies to invest in innovative technologies and expand their reach. At the same time, population growth led to an abundance of labour, essential for the operation and expansion of these fledgling businesses. Technological advances, particularly in mechanisation and industrial production, were also a crucial driver of this transformation. The introduction of steam engines, new manufacturing processes and changes in working methods revolutionised production methods. These economic and technological changes were also accompanied by significant social change. The mass migration of rural populations to urban centres in search of factory jobs led to rapid urbanisation and altered the social structure. Together, these factors not only facilitated the growth of big business, but also laid the foundations for the modern economy and industrial society as we know it today.

In 1870, the average company size was around 300 employees, but from 1873 onwards, a trend towards the formation of much larger, even giant, companies began to emerge, particularly in the United States. This period corresponds to the second half of the 19th century, when the United States was in the midst of the Industrial Revolution. This era of economic and technological transformation encouraged the emergence of monopolies in certain key industries. A monopoly is defined as a market situation in which a single company or organisation has exclusive control over the production or distribution of a specific product or service. In such a context, this single company has the power to dictate prices and market conditions, in the absence of significant competition. In the United States, the rise of monopolies has been facilitated by a number of factors. Technological advances, increased access to capital and a growing workforce have enabled companies to grow on an unprecedented scale. In addition, the absence of strict competition regulations at the time also played a crucial role in the formation of these monopolies. These monopolies had a profound impact on the American economy, influencing not only market dynamics, but also working conditions, trade policies and social structures. They gave rise to important debates about market regulation and the need for antitrust laws, which became central issues in economic policy and reform in the early 20th century.

The emergence of monopolies in the United States during the Industrial Revolution was greatly facilitated by a combination of factors, including the enormous availability of capital and low levels of government regulation. In the early years following the founding of the United States, the regulatory framework for business practices was relatively limited. This lack of strict laws allowed companies to engage in practices that, in other contexts or countries, would have been considered anti-competitive. This situation paved the way for the establishment of monopolies in several key sectors. Industries such as railways, steel and oil have been particularly conducive to the formation of such monopolies. Companies in these areas have been able to exercise almost total control over their respective markets, strongly influencing prices, production and distribution. This domination by certain companies has led to a concentration of economic power and has often led to unfair commercial practices, limiting competition and reducing the choice available to consumers. These developments eventually led to government and public awareness and reaction, resulting in the adoption of anti-trust laws and the introduction of stricter regulations to govern the activities of companies and protect the interests of consumers and small businesses. These reforms marked a turning point in the management of competition and market regulation in the United States.

The Great Depression, which began in the 1920s and peaked in the 1930s, was a period of major economic downturn that affected many countries around the world. This economic crisis was triggered by several interdependent factors. One of the triggers was the overproduction of goods in sectors such as agriculture and industry. This oversupply led to a fall in prices and incomes, hitting farmers and industrial producers hard. At the same time, an unequal distribution of income limited the purchasing power of the majority of the population, leading to a reduction in consumer demand. In addition, the Great Depression was characterised by a marked decline in international trade. This slowdown was exacerbated by protectionist policies such as high tariffs, which hampered trade. The reduction in trade had adverse consequences for national economies, exacerbating the recession. The collapse of the stock market in 1929, particularly in the United States, also played a crucial role in triggering the Great Depression. The sharp fall in stock market values led to the loss of major investments and undermined consumer and investor confidence, reducing spending and investment. These factors, combined with other economic and financial difficulties, led to a prolonged period of high unemployment, bankruptcies and economic distress for millions of people. The impact of the Great Depression was profound, prompting significant changes in economic and social policies and altering the way governments managed the economy and intervened in financial markets.

From 1914 onwards, and especially in the years that followed, many businesses struggled to survive in a difficult economic environment. This period was marked by a wave of mergers and consolidations, in which some companies were forced to merge with others in order to remain viable. This process of consolidation gave rise to oligopolies, market structures characterised by the domination of an industry by a small number of companies. These oligopolies have formed in several key sectors, where a few large companies have acquired major influence, controlling a significant share of production, sales or services in their field. This concentration of economic power has had several implications. On the one hand, it has enabled these dominant companies to achieve economies of scale, optimise their operational efficiency and strengthen their market position. On the other hand, it has often led to a reduction in competition, influencing prices and the quality of products and services, and potentially limiting consumer choice. The formation of oligopolies also raised concerns in terms of economic regulation and antitrust policy, as the excessive concentration of economic power in the hands of a few players could lead to abusive commercial practices and unfair control of the market. This period was therefore crucial in the evolution of economic policies and regulatory frameworks, aimed at balancing the interests of large companies with those of consumers, while preserving the health and competitiveness of the global economy.

During the economic recession of the 1920s, the emergence of oligopolies was largely driven by the inability of many companies to compete with larger, more established firms. In a precarious economic climate, marked by financial and operational challenges, small and medium-sized businesses often found it difficult to maintain their competitiveness. Faced with these challenges, merging with other companies has become a viable survival strategy. These mergers have resulted in the creation of larger, more powerful business entities. By combining their resources, expertise and distribution networks, these merged companies have acquired a greater capacity to dominate their respective industries. They have benefited from economies of scale, greater market share, and often, greater influence over pricing and industry standards. The formation of these large companies has changed market dynamics in many sectors, where a small number of dominant players have begun to exercise considerable control. This concentration of economic power also raised questions about the impact on competition, diversity of choice for consumers and the fairness of the market. Consequently, this period has been a key factor in the evolution of antitrust policies and the need to regulate business practices to maintain healthy competition and protect consumer interests.

First reason: the creation of monopolies

The logic behind the formation of economic monopolies is based on the idea that a single company or organisation can exercise total control over a specific market, for a given product or service. This dominant position offers the monopolistic company several significant advantages. Firstly, holding a monopoly allows the company to set the prices of its products or services without worrying about competition. In the absence of competitors, the monopoly can charge higher prices, which can result in higher profit margins. This also gives it considerable flexibility in terms of pricing strategy, as it is not constrained by the pressures of the competitive market. In addition, a monopoly can limit competition in its market. Without competitors to challenge its position or offer alternatives to consumers, the monopolistic company often has extensive control over the industry, including aspects related to quality, innovation, and the distribution of products or services. In addition, monopolies can generate large profits, as they capture a very large, if not total, share of the market for their product or service. These high profits can be reinvested in the business to stimulate research and development, or to further extend their influence in the market. However, while monopolies can have advantages for the companies that own them, they often raise concerns from the point of view of consumers and overall economic health. Market domination by a single entity can lead to less innovation, higher prices for consumers, and less diversity of choice in the marketplace. These concerns have led to the establishment of antitrust laws and regulations in many countries, aimed at limiting the formation of monopolies and promoting fair competition in markets.

The ambition of certain companies to create monopolies is often motivated by the desire to protect their market share and perpetuate their dominance in a given sector. By exercising total control over the market for a specific product or service, a company can effectively bar potential competitors from entering the market and threatening its profits. This control of the market offers the monopolistic company considerable security. By eliminating or severely limiting competition, the company reduces the risk of its market share being eroded by new entrants or existing competitors. This enables it to maintain a stable and dominant position in its sector, which often translates into an increased capacity to generate constant and sometimes substantial profits. A company in a monopoly position may also have greater control over key aspects of the market, such as prices, quality and availability of products or services. This dominant position can give it a significant financial advantage, enabling it to maximise profits while minimising competitive challenges.

A key motivation for companies seeking to establish monopolies is the prospect of increasing their profits. When a company has exclusive control over the market for a specific product or service, it acquires the ability to set prices without the usual competitive pressure. This privileged position enables it to charge prices that are potentially higher than those on a competitive market, thereby maximising its profit margins. In the absence of competitors able to offer cheaper or better quality alternatives, the monopoly firm can impose prices that reflect not only production costs but also a significant surplus. These higher prices translate into increased profits, benefiting the company's shareholders and investors through higher financial returns. For shareholders and investors, a monopoly can represent a stable and reliable source of income, as the dominant company is less likely to be affected by market fluctuations or the emergence of new competitors. This financial stability can make investment in such companies particularly attractive.

The formation of economic monopolies is based on a logic that highlights several potential advantages for companies that succeed in establishing them. Firstly, a monopoly offers a company the ability to protect and maintain its market share. By controlling an entire market for a particular product or service, the company protects itself from incursions by competitors, thereby safeguarding its dominant position. Secondly, by eliminating or considerably reducing competition, a monopoly gives the company significant latitude in managing its market. This includes control over prices, conditions of sale and the distribution of products or services. Without competitors to offer alternatives or put pressure on prices, the monopolistic company can establish pricing strategies that maximise its profits. Thirdly, the market dominance achieved by a monopoly often translates into increased profits for the company. By setting higher prices than a competitive market would bear, the company can achieve significant profit margins. These high profits are not only good for the company itself, but also for its shareholders and investors, who benefit from higher financial returns. In short, monopolies can offer substantial advantages to companies in terms of market control and financial profitability. However, these advantages for the company may clash with the interests of consumers and the need for a healthy, competitive economy. For this reason, the regulation of such monopolies is often seen as essential to maintain a balance between the interests of business and those of society as a whole.

Second reason: to provide new consumer markets

The objective of broadening and diversifying consumer markets is a central aspect of economic and commercial development. Historically, many of the products available on the market were relatively simple in their design and manufacture, allowing them to be distributed widely and easily. These products, often basic and necessary for everyday life, were manufactured in large quantities to meet widespread demand. However, for more complex products, which required advanced technology, specialised materials or particular know-how, distribution was much more restricted. These products were often produced on a small scale and only available to a limited segment of the market, due to their higher production cost, complexity or specialised nature. With time and technological progress, it has become possible to produce more complex products in larger quantities, making them accessible to a wider audience. Technological innovation, improved production methods and the expansion of distribution chains have played a crucial role in this transition, allowing products that were once limited to a niche market to become widely available. This development has paved the way for the creation of new consumer markets, where varied and sophisticated products can be offered to a wide range of consumers. It has also transformed consumer habits, customer expectations and market dynamics, stimulating innovation and competition in many sectors.

The end of the 19th century, mainly in the United States, saw the emergence of the forerunners of modern department stores, a phenomenon closely linked to the democratisation and diversification of consumption. This period saw a significant expansion in the variety of products available to consumers, going far beyond basic items such as bread. The department stores of the time began to offer a wide range of products, including specialist foods such as charcuterie and cheese. This product diversification presented a significant logistical and management challenge. Each department stores' not only had to manage a vast inventory of diverse products, but also coordinate the supply chain for each type of product. This meant finding reliable suppliers for each category of goods, from charcuterie to cheese, and managing the complex logistics of transporting and storing them. Running such shops therefore required meticulous organisation and planning. The department stores of this era were among the first to adopt innovative management and merchandising techniques to meet these challenges. They played a pioneering role in the transformation of retailing, offering a more varied shopping experience and making it easier for consumers to access a wider range of products under one roof. This evolution not only changed the way products were sold and bought, but also had a profound impact on consumer habits, marking the beginning of a new era in the history of retailing.

The evolution of food retailing in the late 19th and early 20th centuries reflects a major transformation in the way consumer goods were supplied and sold. Faced with growing demand and expanding consumer markets, these companies had to adapt by becoming larger entities, capable of managing a complex supply network, both nationally and internationally. The expansion of these companies has required a significant number of employees to manage various aspects of the business, from supply logistics to point-of-sale management. Establishing a national and international supply network has meant coordinating an extensive and often complex supply chain, including selecting suppliers, negotiating contracts, transporting goods and storing them efficiently. As well as managing the supply chain, the increase in the number of shops also added to the complexity of the operation. Each shop had to be regularly stocked, efficiently managed, and adapted to the local needs and preferences of consumers. This expansion led to the creation of large distribution and sales companies, which not only met the changing needs of consumers, but also helped to shape those needs by introducing a wider and more accessible range of products. This period was therefore marked by a significant development of consumer markets, where the response of companies was to form themselves into large entities capable of effectively managing the growing complexity of food retailing. These changes have played a key role in shaping the modern distribution and retail landscape.

Phillips, initially known as a producer of cameras before expanding into electronics, provides a fascinating example of how companies evolve in the context of increasingly complex technological products. As photography became more popular, the demand for cameras expanded, leading to the opening of specialist shops in many cities. This expansion not only increased the availability of cameras, but also raised public awareness of these technologies. As sales increased, another crucial aspect emerged: maintenance and repair. Cameras, being complex technological products, were prone to technical problems or breakdowns. This reality highlighted the need for competent repair services. So, in addition to simply distributing cameras, there was a need for a network of dealers and technicians capable of dismantling, diagnosing and repairing cameras in the event of a malfunction. Setting up this dynamic system meant creating an extensive sales network, encompassing not only the distribution of appliances, but also their servicing and repair. This resulted in a more complex and integrated value chain, where distributors, repairers and parts suppliers all played an essential role in maintaining customer satisfaction and loyalty. Phillips' trajectory in this context is representative of how technology companies must adapt and develop to meet not only the distribution needs of innovative products, but also to provide the necessary post-purchase support, ensuring a complete and satisfying customer experience.

Third reason: getting round protectionism

The return of protectionism in Europe

At the end of the 19th century, Europe witnessed a significant rise in economic protectionism, a direct response to the rise of industrialisation and the intensification of competition on the world market. Protectionist policies, embodied in measures such as tariffs and trade barriers, were adopted by European states primarily to protect their domestic industries from foreign competitors and to encourage economic development within their borders. These protectionist policies were widely seen as an effective way of supporting local industries by protecting them from competition from imported products, which were often sold at lower prices. By imposing tariffs on imports, European governments aimed to make foreign products less attractive to domestic consumers, thereby creating a more favourable market for local products. As well as promoting economic interests, these policies were also motivated by political and strategic considerations. European nations sought to maintain and strengthen their power and influence, not only economically but also politically. Protecting national industries was also a way of preserving independence and economic security in a context of fluctuating rivalries and alliances between European powers. At the same time, this period saw a growing belief in the role of government as a key player in the economy. This approach was influenced by the recognition that state intervention might be necessary to ensure the economic well-being of citizens, especially in the face of the challenges posed by globalisation and international competition. Economic protectionism in Europe at the end of the 19th century can be understood as a multipolar strategy, aimed at protecting national industries, maintaining the economic and political power of states, and recognising a greater role for government in managing economic affairs for the well-being of society.

The adoption of protectionism by European states from 1873 onwards, with the notable exception of Great Britain, was a strategic response to the economic and political changes of the time. This policy of protectionism aimed to protect national industries by erecting trade barriers, such as tariffs, to restrict foreign imports. Great Britain, however, chose to maintain a policy of free trade, thanks in part to its dominant position in world trade and the strength of its colonial empire. For other European states, protectionism was seen as a means of promoting domestic industrial development and protecting their markets from British products and those of other industrial countries. Even when economic growth resumed, these states continued to maintain a protectionist policy. This persistence can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, protectionism helped to consolidate and strengthen infant industries that might otherwise have been vulnerable to foreign competition. Secondly, the revenue generated by tariffs was important for national budgets, providing a source of funding for various government programmes. Finally, on a political level, protectionism served the interests of certain influential groups, such as farmers and industrialists, who benefited directly from protection against foreign competition. This protectionist trend had significant implications for international trade and economic relations in Europe. It influenced the dynamics of trade, the expansion strategies of companies and played a role in the evolution of the world economy at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century.

The return to protectionism by European states at the end of the 19th century can be attributed to a number of strategic motivations, including the desire to protect infant industries from international competition. By the mid-19th century, many European countries had actively developed their industrial sectors, and policymakers were keen to support the growth and prosperity of these industries. Protectionist measures, such as high tariffs on imported goods, were seen as an essential tool for protecting domestic industries. By increasing the cost of imported goods, these tariffs made foreign products less competitive on the local market, giving domestic producers an advantage. This strategy aimed to create a more favourable environment for local industries, allowing them to develop and strengthen their position on the domestic market before facing international competition. In addition, these protectionist policies were also intended to enable domestic industries to become more competitive on a global scale. By providing a protected space in which to grow and mature, protectionism was supposed to help local industries improve their efficiency, quality and capacity for innovation, thus preparing them to compete more effectively on international markets in the future. This approach reflected an understanding of the global economy in which industrial competitiveness was seen as a key element of national strength and prosperity. Thus protectionism, as an economic policy, played an important role in Europe's industrial and economic development during this period.

The re-adoption of protectionism in Europe at the end of the 19th century was also motivated by social and political considerations, notably the belief that such policies could promote national unity and cohesion. This period was marked by internal tensions within many European states, including regional conflicts and sectarian divisions. Politicians of the time recognised the importance of strengthening a sense of national identity and solidarity. They saw protectionism as a means of promoting a sense of unity by focusing attention and effort on internal economic development. By protecting and promoting national industries, the government could not only stimulate economic growth, but also create a sense of collective pride in national industrial and commercial success. Promoting national industry was seen as a way of uniting citizens around a common goal of national prosperity and progress. By supporting local businesses and workers, governments hoped to ease internal tensions and strengthen solidarity within the nation. This strategy aimed to create a solid economic base which, in turn, would contribute to political and social stability. Beyond its economic objectives, economic protectionism was also seen as an instrument for consolidating national unity, by providing a common ground on which the different regions and groups within a state could align themselves. This political and social dimension of protectionism reflects the complexity of the motivations behind economic policies, highlighting how they can be used to address issues that go beyond the strictly economic.

The revival of protectionism in Europe at the end of the 19th century was also strongly influenced by direct economic considerations. Faced with challenges such as low economic growth and high unemployment, European leaders sought solutions to revitalise their national economies. Protectionist measures were seen as a potentially effective way of stimulating domestic demand and boosting economic growth. By imposing tariffs on imported goods, European governments hoped to encourage consumers to switch to locally produced goods. This strategy aimed to reduce dependence on imports while supporting domestic industries. By protecting local markets from foreign competition, domestic industries had a better chance of growing and increasing production, which in turn could boost employment and domestic consumption. What's more, by favouring local businesses, governments hoped to create a virtuous circle of economic growth: successful businesses generate more jobs, which in turn increases people's purchasing power, stimulating demand for other goods and services and supporting the economy as a whole. These protectionist policies were therefore seen as a lever for strengthening the national economy, by creating a more favourable environment for the growth of local businesses, job creation and higher living standards. Nevertheless, while these measures may have offered short-term benefits for some economies, they could also lead to international trade tensions and have long-term consequences for the efficiency and competitiveness of national industries.

The United Kingdom in reverse: the choice of free trade

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the United Kingdom took a different path from many other European countries by firmly maintaining its free trade policy. This approach was part of a long tradition of free trade that had begun with the repeal of the Corn Laws in the 1840s, a series of laws that had imposed restrictions and tariffs on grain imports. The UK's maintenance of free trade can be attributed to several key factors. Firstly, as the world's leading industrial power at the time and with a vast colonial empire, the UK benefited considerably from international trade. Free trade policies favoured British exports and provided access to a wide range of raw materials and colonial products. Secondly, the philosophy of free trade was deeply rooted in British economic and political thought. There was a strong belief that free trade not only benefited the British economy, but also contributed to international peace and stability by promoting economic cooperation between nations. In contrast to Germany, France and other European countries which adopted protectionist policies to support their infant industries and respond to domestic economic challenges, the UK continued to promote free trade. This stance reflected its confidence in its economic strength and its desire to maintain its influence on world trade. The UK's free trade policy played an important role in shaping international trade at that time. It also shaped international economic relations, often in opposition to growing protectionist tendencies in other parts of Europe.

Although the UK was a strong advocate of free trade in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it should be noted that its trade policy was not entirely free of protectionist measures. Indeed, the UK adopted certain tariff measures and subsidies in specific sectors, although these measures were generally more moderate compared with those of other European countries. Customs duties were imposed on certain imported products, particularly in the agricultural sector. This was intended to protect British farmers from foreign competition, particularly at times when imports were threatening the viability of local farms. Similarly, subsidies have been granted to certain industries to stimulate economic development, support innovation or respond to specific economic problems. While these measures represented a degree of protectionism, they were limited in comparison with the stricter and more extensive policies implemented by other European countries. The UK, with its economy largely geared towards international trade, has continued to favour a free trade approach, opening up markets and reducing trade barriers.

To overcome the barriers of protectionism and facilitate international trade, governments often resort to concluding free trade agreements (FTAs). These international treaties, negotiated between two or more countries, aim to reduce or eliminate customs duties and other barriers to trade, offering multiple benefits for trade and the economy. Firstly, FTAs help to reduce or eliminate tariffs, making imported products more affordable and competitive. This reduction benefits consumers and businesses by providing greater access to a variety of goods and services at lower prices. As well as reducing costs, these agreements simplify trade rules and regulations. Harmonised standards and mutual recognition of certifications reduce the bureaucratic burden and make it easier for businesses to navigate international trade. FTAs also open the door to new markets, giving companies the opportunity to expand their activities beyond national borders. This stimulates international growth and expansion, creating new avenues for trade and investment. At the same time, these agreements encourage foreign investment by creating a more open and predictable business environment. A stable and transparent commercial framework attracts international investors, thereby promoting economic development. Finally, by giving foreign companies easier access to domestic markets, FTAs stimulate healthy competition. This encourages innovation and improvements in the quality of products and services, benefiting consumers and the economy as a whole. Overall, FTAs are a crucial tool for countries seeking to facilitate trade beyond their borders, contributing to a more integrated and dynamic global economy.

Although the concept of free trade has long been supported by economists and policymakers, the use of free trade agreements (FTAs) as a tool to promote international trade only gained momentum in the mid-20th century. At the end of the 19th century, although the idea of free trade had been discussed and promoted, particularly by countries such as the UK, FTAs in the form we know them today were not yet a commonly used mechanism for circumventing protectionism. During this period, international trade was governed more by bilateral or unilateral policies and less formal trade agreements. Countries practising free trade, such as the UK, tended to do so independently rather than through structured agreements with other nations. It was only after the Second World War, particularly with the creation of the GATT (General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade) in 1947 and later the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in 1995, that FTAs began to become widespread as an important means of facilitating international trade. These agreements and organisations aimed to reduce tariff and non-tariff barriers to trade, promote a level playing field and establish a legal framework for the resolution of trade disputes. So while the idea of free trade was present and debated before the middle of the 20th century, the use of FTAs as the main instrument for promoting it and circumventing protectionist measures became predominant later in world economic history.

In the late 1800s, protectionism was a common economic policy in many countries. The practice involved the application of various measures, including the imposition of tariffs, the setting of quotas and the establishment of other trade barriers, to limit imports. The main aim of protectionism was to protect domestic industries from competition from foreign products. This approach was based on the belief that local industries, particularly those that were nascent or less developed, needed to be defended against foreign companies, which were often more advanced and competitive. By raising the costs of imported products through taxes and customs duties, local products became relatively cheaper and therefore more attractive to domestic consumers. Protectionism was also seen as a way of supporting the national economy. By favouring local industries, governments hoped to stimulate domestic production, create jobs and promote economic self-sufficiency. It also generated revenue for the state through customs duties levied on imports. However, despite its intentions to support national industries, protectionism also has its drawbacks. It can lead to higher costs for consumers, reduced choice and, in the long term, can stifle innovation and efficiency in local industries by protecting them from the competition needed to stimulate improvement and innovation.

In the context of the late 19th century, when protectionism prevailed, free trade agreements (FTAs) as we know them today were not a commonly used instrument to reduce trade barriers. At that time, countries favoured other methods of facilitating international trade and reducing trade barriers. Bilateral trade negotiations were a common method. These negotiations involved direct agreements between two countries to lower tariffs and open their markets to each other. These agreements could be limited to certain products or sectors, or cover a wider range of goods and services. In addition to these bilateral negotiations, some countries explored more global forms of economic cooperation. This included the creation of free trade areas, where several countries in a specific region agreed to reduce or eliminate trade barriers between them. Similarly, customs unions were another form of cooperation, where member countries not only removed trade barriers between themselves, but also adopted common external tariffs against non-member countries. These different approaches reflected a growing recognition of the importance of international trade, even in a generally protectionist environment. Although protectionism was widespread, there was a growing interest in ways of facilitating trade and promoting economic cooperation, although these efforts were often constrained by national protectionist policies and the competing economic interests of individual countries.

The end of the 19th century saw a pronounced trend towards protectionism, driven by a number of factors. On the one hand, there was a strong desire to support domestic industries, particularly those that were in a development phase or facing intense competition from foreign products. Protecting local industries was seen as a way of stimulating economic growth by creating jobs and promoting industrial self-sufficiency. Concerns about foreign competition also played an important role in this trend towards protectionism. Many feared that opening markets to foreign products, often produced at lower cost, would harm domestic producers. Consequently, measures such as high customs duties and import quotas were used to limit the impact of this competition. However, in the early 1900s, there was a gradual change in world trade policies. The idea of free trade began to gain popularity, supported by the economic argument that lower trade barriers would encourage a more efficient allocation of resources, stimulate innovation and benefit consumers through lower prices and greater choice. This shift towards more liberal trade policies has seen a gradual reduction in tariffs and a greater opening up of national markets to international trade. This move towards free trade has been encouraged by the growing recognition of the economic benefits of international trade and by an evolving global context, where economic cooperation and multilateral trade agreements have begun to be seen as essential means of ensuring global economic prosperity and stability.

The Cobden-Chevalier Treaty: a turning point towards free trade

The Cobden-Chevalier Treaty, signed in 1860 between the United Kingdom and France, represents an important milestone in the history of free trade in Europe. The treaty is particularly noteworthy because it marked a decisive turning point in European trade policy at the time, paving the way for an era of reduced trade barriers and the adoption of broader free trade policies in the region. The treaty, named after British MP Richard Cobden and French minister Michel Chevalier, was innovative in several respects. It significantly reduced tariffs on a variety of goods traded between the two countries, encouraging two-way trade. Most importantly, the treaty introduced the concept of 'most favoured nation' (MFN), whereby trade benefits granted by one country to one nation must be extended to all other nations. This has helped to create a more equal and predictable trading environment. The impact of the Cobden-Chevalier Treaty has been significant. Not only did it stimulate trade between the UK and France, it also served as a model for other free trade agreements in Europe. In the years that followed, several other European nations concluded similar agreements, contributing to a growing trend towards free trade in the region. By opening their markets and reducing tariffs, the UK and France set an example and played a key role in promoting international trade and economic cooperation in Europe. The Cobden-Chevalier Treaty is therefore seen as a pivotal moment in economic history, marking a significant step towards free trade and influencing European trade policy for decades to come.

At the time of the signing of the Cobden-Chevalier Treaty in 1860, Europe was dominated by a tendency towards protectionism. Many countries were actively seeking to protect their infant and developing industries from competition from foreign imports. This approach was widely seen as a means of supporting the national economy and promoting industrialisation. In this context, the Cobden-Chevalier Treaty represented a significant break with the prevailing protectionist policy. By committing to significantly reduce tariffs on a range of products and to eliminate some of them, the UK and France took a resolutely different direction, choosing to embrace the principles of free trade. This treaty not only marked a major step forward in trade relations between these two great economic powers, but also set a precedent for other European nations. As well as reducing tariffs, the treaty also established a framework for closer trade cooperation between the UK and France, laying the foundations for further economic integration. The most innovative and influential aspect of the treaty was its adoption of the 'most favoured nation' principle, which stipulated that any trade advantage granted by one country to another should be extended to all other nations. This clause had a profound impact on international trade, as it encouraged the adoption of fairer and more transparent trade policies. The Cobden-Chevalier Treaty thus paved the way for a new era of trade relations in Europe, strongly influencing the trade policy of European nations in the following decades and contributing to a gradual trend towards free trade in the region.

The impact of the Cobden-Chevalier Treaty on trade between the UK and France, and its role as a model for other free trade agreements in Europe and beyond, was significant. The treaty, signed in 1860, is named after its principal architects, British politician Richard Cobden and French economist Michel Chevalier. Both were fervent supporters of free trade, and their collaboration resulted in one of the first modern trade agreements. By reducing tariffs between the two countries, the treaty not only stimulated bilateral trade, but also encouraged greater economic openness. This led to a significant increase in trade in goods, facilitating the flow of goods between the UK and France. Sectors benefiting included the British textile industry and French wine producers, among others. Beyond its immediate impact on Franco-British trade, the Cobden-Chevalier Treaty also had wider repercussions. It served as a model for other free trade agreements, showing that reducing trade barriers could benefit national economies. Other European countries, inspired by this example, sought to conclude similar agreements, thereby encouraging a gradual trend towards free trade in the region. The adoption of the 'most favoured nation' principle in the treaty has also had a lasting impact on international trade practices. By ensuring that trade advantages granted to one nation are extended to others, this principle has fostered a fairer and more predictable trading environment, thereby encouraging greater international economic cooperation. The Cobden-Chevalier Treaty is regarded as a pivotal moment in the history of international trade, marking a turning point towards free trade and significantly influencing European and world trade policy in the years that followed.

The growth of multinational companies

During the 1800s and early 1900s, the rise of multinational corporations (MNCs) marked a significant turning point in the global economic landscape. However, despite their expansion and growing influence, these companies were not immune to the protectionist policies that prevailed at the time. Protectionism, characterised by the application of tariffs, quotas and other trade barriers, aimed to protect domestic industries from foreign competition, and multinationals were forced to navigate these complex regulatory waters to conduct their operations in different countries. Multinationals were directly impacted by tariff and non-tariff barriers. High tariffs could significantly increase the cost of their products in foreign markets, reducing their competitiveness. Similarly, import quotas and stringent regulations could restrict their access to certain markets. These obstacles forced them to invest in local production and distribution strategies, increasing their operating costs and requiring constant adaptation. To overcome these challenges, multinationals often had to develop adaptation strategies, such as forming partnerships with local companies, setting up production sites in target countries, or adjusting their products to the specific requirements of local markets. Despite these difficulties, some multinationals had sufficient influence to negotiate favourable terms with local governments, although this varied greatly depending on the political and economic context of each country. Although multinational companies played an increasingly important role in the global economy in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, they faced the challenges of an often restrictive international trading environment. Their expansion and success required continuous adaptation and the adoption of innovative strategies to thrive in the complex context of protectionism.

The growth of multinational companies during the late 19th and early 20th centuries was significantly facilitated by increasing globalisation and the liberalisation of trade policies. This period saw a gradual move towards a more open and integrated environment in the world economy, offering new opportunities for international trade and investment. The globalisation of markets has been driven by a number of factors, including technological advances in transport and communications, which have reduced the costs and physical barriers to international trade. In addition, the expansion of transport infrastructure, such as railways and steamships, has facilitated the movement of goods across borders. At the same time, a trend towards the liberalisation of trade policies began to emerge, gradually challenging the protectionist principles that had dominated the world economy. Although protectionism was still widely practised, movements in favour of free trade began to gain influence, notably following agreements such as the Cobden-Chevalier Treaty between the United Kingdom and France. This gradual opening up of markets and reduction in trade restrictions created a more favourable environment for multinationals, allowing them to extend their reach and access new markets. This increased economic integration was seen as a break with previous protectionist policies, paving the way for an era of more fluid cross-border trade and investment. The rise of multinationals coincided with and was supported by a period of global economic transformation, marked by more open markets and increasing economic integration. This has provided new opportunities for companies to expand beyond their national borders and has played a crucial role in shaping the modern global economy.

As multinational companies (MNCs) expanded their global reach, they were able to take advantage of economies of scale and gain access to new markets, strengthening their ability to compete with local firms. This international expansion has given MNCs some breathing space in the face of protectionist policies, allowing them to penetrate new markets and secure new sources of supply that were previously inaccessible to them. Access to a vast international network has enabled MNCs to diversify their sources of raw materials and production, reducing their dependence on specific markets or suppliers. In addition, by setting up production operations in several countries, multinationals have been able to circumvent certain import tariffs and restrictions by producing directly in the countries they wish to sell to. However, even with this international expansion, multinationals remained subject to a wide range of regulations and restrictions in the different countries in which they operated. They had to constantly adapt to local legislative and regulatory frameworks, which could vary considerably from one country to another. This included not only tariff and trade laws, but also foreign investment regulations, environmental and labour standards, and tax laws.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the emergence of large companies, oligopolies and multinational corporations marked a significant change in the global economic landscape. Faced with protectionist policies, these companies developed innovative strategies to maintain and expand their presence on international markets. One such strategy was to circumvent protectionism not by exporting products, but by establishing themselves directly in the target countries. Cockerill in Belgium is a notable example of this approach. Rather than limit itself to exporting to Russia, where trade barriers could have hampered its activities or made them costly, Cockerill chose to establish itself locally in Russia. By setting up production operations on Russian territory, the company could sell directly to the Russian market, without having to cross the customs and trade barriers associated with importing. This local production strategy not only made it possible to bypass customs duties and other trade restrictions, but also offered a number of other advantages. It allowed companies to get closer to their target market, reduce logistics costs, and adapt more easily to local consumer preferences and requirements. Moreover, by locating locally, companies could contribute to the economy of the host country, for example by creating jobs and investing in local infrastructure, which could also facilitate relations with local governments and communities. Local presence became a key strategy for multinational companies seeking to extend their influence and gain effective access to foreign markets in a context of protectionist policies. This approach has played a crucial role in the globalisation of business and has helped shape the modern international economy.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a significant transformation took place in the nature and structure of business. Many large companies evolved into capitalist entities structured as public limited companies and listed on the stock exchange. This marked a significant departure from more traditional business models, where companies were often owned and directly managed by the families of their founders. This period saw increased access to capital for these companies, through the sale of shares to the public. This change facilitated considerable expansion, enabling these companies to invest massively in development, innovation and geographical expansion. At the same time, business management has become more professionalised, requiring specialist skills to manage increasingly complex and extensive operations, in stark contrast to the family management of previous generations. In addition, stock market listing and shareholder diversification have led to a significant dilution of family ownership. The founders and their descendants found themselves with a reduced share in the company, while ownership was now spread across a larger number of shareholders. This form of company also offered the advantage of limited liability, which was an important factor in attracting investors. This transformation was partly a response to expanding markets and increased competition. Companies needed greater flexibility and financial resources to remain competitive in a rapidly changing business environment. This era witnessed a fundamental change in the nature of businesses, from predominantly family and local structures to large, capitalist entities, managed by professionals and financially backed by a wide range of shareholders. This evolution has played a key role in shaping the modern economic landscape, characterised by large-scale businesses operating on a global scale.

The formation of the proletariat

The Industrial Revolution marked a period of profound and rapid change in the social and economic structure of many societies. With the rise of factories and industrialisation, there was a significant increase in the number of people employed in these new industrial sectors. This led to significant growth in the working class, fuelled largely by the migration of people from rural areas and other occupations to the cities, attracted by the employment opportunities offered by the emerging industry. At the same time, the Industrial Revolution saw the emergence of a new class of industrial capitalists. These individuals, who owned factories, machines and other means of production, became a major force in the economy. Their wealth and power grew exponentially as a result of industrialisation. However, this period of economic transformation also created fertile ground for conflict between these two classes. On the one hand, the workers, or working class, fought for better wages, safer working conditions and respect for their rights. Faced with long and exhausting working days, low wages and often dangerous conditions, they began to organise to demand improvements.

On the other hand, industrial capitalists naturally sought to maximise their profits, which often meant minimising production costs, including labour costs. This divergence of interests led to what is known as the class struggle, a fundamental dynamic in the history of the Industrial Revolution. This class struggle was a key driver in the development of the modern labour movement. Workers formed trade unions and other forms of collective organisation to fight for their rights, leading to major social reforms and the introduction of laws protecting workers. This period thus laid the foundations for the struggles for workers' rights that continue to this day, underlining the complex dynamics between labour and capital in modern economies.

Cities and industrial areas: cradles of the working class

Cities and industrial areas, at the heart of the Industrial Revolution, played a crucial role as cradles of the working class. These areas offered the necessary infrastructure and employment opportunities that attracted large populations to factories, offices and other types of industry. The massive influx of workers into these areas not only transformed the urban landscape, but also shaped the social and economic dynamics of the time. In these urban and industrial centres, the high density of workers created an environment conducive to the emergence of a community and solidarity within the working class. Living and working in often difficult conditions and in close proximity to each other, workers shared common experiences, challenges and aspirations. This proximity helped forge a sense of collective identity and comradeship, crucial for workers' organisation and mobilisation.

In addition, cities and industrial areas were often hotbeds of intense trade union activity. Trade unions played a fundamental role in organising workers, defending their rights and improving their working conditions. These organisations served as a platform for worker representation, collective bargaining and sometimes even protest and strike action. The trade union movement in these regions has not only helped to improve specific working conditions, but has also played a major role in shaping social policies and labour law. Through their collective action, workers have been able to exert considerable influence, pushing through legislative reforms that have progressively improved working conditions, introduced fair wages and strengthened job security. Cities and industrial areas were catalysts for the development and consolidation of the working class. Not only did they provide the physical setting for industrial work, but they were also the scene of the emergence of class consciousness, workers' solidarity and the trade union movement, thus playing a decisive role in the history of labour and workers' rights.

The Industrial Revolution was a period of profound social change, characterised by the emergence and growth of the working class and the formation of a new class of industrial capitalists. These developments led to the creation of distinct social groups with their own cultures and ways of life. In factories and industries, people from diverse backgrounds came together to work. This convergence has given rise to a unique working-class culture, shaped by the experiences, struggles and common aspirations of the workers. In this industrial environment, workers often shared similar living and working conditions, marked by challenges such as long hours, low pay and unsafe or unhealthy working conditions. These collective experiences reinforced a sense of shared identity among workers, as well as common values and beliefs centred on solidarity, justice and fairness. The development of solidarity systems among workers has played a crucial role in strengthening this working-class culture. In the face of adversity and common challenges, workers often formed trade unions and other types of organisations to support each other. These organisations were not only means of fighting for better wages and working conditions, but also served as forums for the development of a working-class community and culture. Through these unions and organisations, workers were able to express themselves collectively, defend their rights and interests, and exert a greater influence in society. This working-class culture, with its values, traditions and forms of organisation, was a central element of the Industrial Revolution. It not only influenced the daily lives of workers, but also had a significant impact on the social and political development of industrial societies. The formation and consolidation of this culture played an essential role in the history of labour, marking the emergence of class consciousness and the ongoing struggle for workers' rights and dignity.

During the Industrial Revolution, the formation of a collective consciousness among workers was a crucial development. Faced with common challenges such as precarious working conditions, inadequate pay and lack of rights, workers began to develop a sense of identity and shared interests. This collective awareness was strongly influenced and reinforced by the daily struggles they faced in factories and industries. Over time, these shared experiences gave rise to a common history of social struggle among workers. Aware of their position and their rights, workers became increasingly organised to defend their interests. This organisation often manifested itself in the creation of trade unions and other workers' groups, which provided a platform for solidarity, collective bargaining and sometimes even protest and strike action. These collective movements have been essential in the struggle for improved working conditions, fairer wages and recognition of workers' rights. Collective consciousness and a shared history of social struggle have therefore played a key role in the development of the modern workers' movement. This movement not only sought to improve the specific conditions of workers, but also contributed to wider social and political change, fighting for reforms that eventually led to a more equitable and just society. Ultimately, the emergence of this collective consciousness among workers, and their history of social struggle, were driving forces in shaping the modern social and political landscape, leaving a lasting mark on the history of labour and workers' rights.

The organisation of the working classes

Structuring and development of the class struggle

The development of socialist thought in the 1840s is closely linked to the ideas of Karl Marx, a German philosopher and economist whose theories were profoundly influenced by the Industrial Revolution and the rise of capitalism. Marx criticised the capitalist system, which he saw as based on the exploitation of workers by the owners of the means of production, the capitalists. In his view, this exploitation was the source of profound social and economic injustice. Marx advocated a radical change in the way society was organised. He envisaged a socialist system in which the means of production would be collectively owned by the workers, rather than by a capitalist class. In such a system, production would be organised according to the needs of society, not the pursuit of profit. The wealth generated by collective labour would be distributed more fairly, putting an end to the polarisation of wealth and class struggle.

Marx's ideas had a considerable impact on socialist thought and on the formation of workers' movements. He laid the theoretical foundations of the struggle for a more just and egalitarian society, influencing many socialist movements and political parties around the world. His writings, in particular the "Communist Manifesto" co-authored with Friedrich Engels, and "Capital", offered a critical analysis of capitalism and a vision of a socialist alternative. Marx's influence was not limited to his own time, but continues to shape contemporary political thought and action. His theories on capitalism, class struggle and social revolution remain important references for critics of the current economic system and for those seeking to promote wider social and economic change.

The year 1848 marked a historic turning point in Europe, characterised by a series of radical revolutions that challenged the existing political and social order. These revolutions, known as the Springtime of the Peoples, were motivated by a complex combination of factors, such as economic inequality, political repression and the desire for national unity. These uprisings took place against a backdrop of deep social and economic tensions in Europe. Rapid industrialisation and the development of capitalism had created great disparities in wealth and difficult living conditions for the working class. At the same time, the political regimes of the time, often absolute monarchies or oligarchies, were seen as out of touch with the realities and aspirations of the people. One of the most significant aspects of the revolutions of 1848 was the emergence and spread of new political ideologies, such as socialism and republicanism. These ideas offered an alternative vision of the established political and social order, advocating greater equality, democratic participation and the sovereignty of the people. The revolutions saw many republican activists mobilise to promote their ideas. In many cases, these uprisings succeeded in overthrowing existing monarchical regimes and establishing republican governments, although many of these new regimes were short-lived. However, the impact of these revolutions was long-lasting. They helped to popularise republican ideas and paved the way for the adoption of more democratic and republican forms of government in many European countries. The year 1848 was a period of major upheaval and change in Europe. The revolutions not only highlighted the economic and political challenges of the time, but also marked a milestone in the struggle for a more just and democratic society, leaving a profound legacy that has shaped the political and social future of Europe.

The year 1848 was marked by the publication of the "Manifesto of the Communist Party", written by the German philosophers Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. This document became one of the most influential political treatises of the 19th century, exerting a profound impact on the political and social landscape well beyond that period. The Communist Manifesto presents a critical analysis of capitalism and its social implications. In it, Marx and Engels describe how capitalism, characterised by relations of production based on private property and the pursuit of profit, generates class conflict and exploits the working class. The manifesto puts forward the idea that this class struggle is the driving force of history and that it will inevitably lead to proletarian revolution. The authors argued for the establishment of a socialist society, in which the means of production would be owned collectively, rather than by a capitalist class. They imagine a society where production would be organised to meet the needs of the community rather than to maximise private profit, and where wealth would be distributed more fairly. Published in the midst of the revolutions of 1848, the 'Manifesto' resonated with the aspirations and struggles of the working classes and socialist movements across Europe. Its ideas helped shape political debate and inspired generations of activists and political thinkers. The "Manifesto" was not only a critique of capitalism, but also a call to action, urging workers to mobilise for social and economic change. In the decades that followed, the ideas of Marx and Engels continued to influence many social and political movements. The "Manifesto of the Communist Party" thus became a founding work for many socialist and communist movements, playing a decisive role in the development of left-wing political thought.

The decade of the 1860s was a period of major upheaval and change throughout the world, marked by important political and social movements that profoundly influenced the course of history. In the United States, the American Civil War, which lasted from 1861 to 1865, was a crucial event, leading to the abolition of slavery. This war not only transformed American society, but also had international repercussions, influencing discussions on human rights and social justice. In Europe, the rise of the labour movement was a major development during this period. The creation of trade unions and other workers' organisations marked a significant step forward in the struggle for fairer working conditions, more equitable wages and better social protection, helping to improve the lives of the working classes. Meanwhile, in Japan, the Meiji Restoration, which began in 1868, signalled the start of an era of rapid modernisation and industrialisation. This process of transformation not only altered Japan's economic landscape, but also laid the foundations for its rise as a world power. In Italy, the unification of the country, completed in 1871, was a landmark event, symbolising the formation of a new nation state after centuries of division and foreign domination. At the same time, the rise of socialist and communist ideas challenged the structures of the capitalist economic system, proposing alternative visions for a more just and equitable society. Overall, the decade of the 1860s was a period of great upheaval and change, marked by a challenge to the existing social, political and economic order. These events shaped not only the regions concerned, but also had a lasting impact on global dynamics, influencing the pursuit of a more just and equitable society worldwide.

Structuring social conflicts

A strike is collective action by a group of workers who stop work in order to put pressure on their employer to meet certain demands. These demands may vary, but they often concern crucial issues such as better pay, improved working conditions or job security. Strike action is a powerful tool in the hands of workers, allowing them to demonstrate their collective strength. When a group of workers goes on strike, they interrupt their daily work, which can significantly affect the employer's operations. This interruption is designed to show the employer the importance of the role played by the workers and the seriousness of their concerns. By depriving the employer of the manpower needed for production or service, the workers hope to push the employer to negotiate and respond positively to their demands. Strike action is also a way for workers to show their solidarity in the face of a common problem. By acting together, they demonstrate their unity and commitment to their demands, thereby strengthening their position in negotiations with the employer. This form of protest has played a crucial role in the history of the labour movement, contributing to many improvements in the rights and working conditions of employees around the world.

Strike action, as a tactic of workers' protest, can take different forms, each adapted to specific objectives and particular contexts. Collective walkout is a direct and visible form of strike action where workers leave their workplace together. This action has an immediate and obvious impact on production or services, marking a clear break in the company's normal activities. It is an effective way for workers to show their solidarity and the seriousness of their concerns. Another form of strike is a reduction in productivity, sometimes called a work-to-rule strike. In this case, workers continue to report to work but deliberately reduce their work rate or efficiency. This method may involve scrupulously following all rules and regulations, thus slowing down the production process. Although more subtle, this form of strike can be effective in disrupting operations without stopping work altogether. Rotating strikes involve successive work stoppages by different groups of workers. This approach allows pressure to be maintained on the employer over an extended period, with different groups of workers striking at different times. A general strike is a broader action, involving workers from several industries or sectors. It is a large-scale demonstration that often goes beyond the boundaries of a single company or industry, affecting a large part of the economy and having significant societal implications. Finally, a walkout is a short strike, usually lasting a few hours. This form of strike aims to draw attention to specific demands without a prolonged stoppage of work. It can serve as a warning signal to the employer about workers' concerns. Each of these forms of strike action represents a different strategy that workers can use to assert their rights and fight for better working conditions. They reflect the diversity of methods available to workers to express their discontent and to negotiate change with their employers.

The emergence of the labour movement has been a gradual and complex process, faced with various challenges of structuring and organisation. Switzerland, for example, illustrates this progression well, with a significant increase in the number of work-related disputes between the periods before 1880 and between 1880 and 1914. The rise in the number of disputes in a predominantly urban population reflects the increase in industrial tensions and the rise in class consciousness among workers. Before 1880, with 135 recorded conflicts, the labour movement in Switzerland, as in many other regions, was in its early stages of development. Workers were only just beginning to organise and fight for their rights and interests. However, towards the end of the 19th century and at the beginning of the 20th century, the labour movement gained in strength and organisation, as evidenced by the considerably increased number of conflicts (1426 between 1880 and 1914). This increase indicates an intensification of workers' demands and a better organisation of workers. Despite the rise of these movements and the spread of socialist and communist ideas, advocated by theorists such as Karl Marx, a communist revolution as imagined by Marx did not take place in Eastern Europe, nor in most other parts of Europe. Several factors can explain this absence of communist revolution. Among these, the ability of governments and employers to bring about gradual reforms, thus mitigating some of the most pressing demands of workers, played an important role. In addition, cultural, economic and political differences across Europe led to a diversity of approaches in the workers' struggle, rather than a unified revolutionary movement.

The Geneva tram workers' strike of 1902, involving the Compagnie Générale des Tramways Électriques (CGTE), nicknamed "Madame sans-gêne", was a significant episode in the history of the Swiss labour movement. The dispute, which arose from an impasse between CGTE management and the workers' union, erupted against a backdrop of growing tensions caused by unsatisfactory working conditions, low wages and authoritarian management of the company. The workers, demanding a pay rise and better working conditions, were met with refusal from management, leading to the declaration of strike action on 30 August. The strike had an immediate impact on CGTE operations, paralysing the tram network. The situation escalated with retaliatory dismissals by the CGTE, exacerbating tensions and calling into question the effectiveness of the Geneva law of 1900, which provided for arbitration by the Council of State in the event of a dispute between employers and workers. Despite the CGTE leadership's demand that the strike be deemed illegal and that arbitration be requested, the strike continued until 28 September, before resuming and continuing until 15 October. State and military intervention was necessary to maintain order and protect CGTE operations. In the end, the union managed to negotiate some gains, although the strike ended with some dismissed workers not being rehired, leaving a sense of injustice. The strike illustrated the challenges faced by workers in their struggle for better wages and working conditions at the dawn of the 20th century and highlighted the potential role of the state in mediating industrial disputes, as well as the difficulties faced by unions in protecting their members. It has become a symbol of the struggle for workers' rights, underlining the importance of constructive dialogue between the parties and the need for effective government intervention to ensure fair working conditions and resolve industrial disputes.

The 1902 strike in Geneva, which had initially broken out within the Compagnie Générale des Tramways Électriques (CGTE), took on an even more significant dimension when it was temporarily suspended before resuming a month later. This renewal of the strike developed into a broader solidarity movement, involving a large part of the working population of the canton of Geneva. This extension of the strike revealed the depth and breadth of social tensions and the solidarity of workers across the canton. The political context played an important role in the development of the strike. A recently enacted law on collective disputes, which required compulsory arbitration before a strike could be called, was a point of contention. Some workers and unions opposed the law, seeing it as a restriction on their right to strike. The American director of the CGTE, Bradford, was a central figure in this conflict. His management of the dispute and his attitude towards the workers were perceived as confrontational and unpopular, which contributed to hostility towards the company, nicknamed "Madame Sans-Gêne". The conflict was finally resolved through negotiation and the intervention of the Council of State. However, the terms of the agreement did not fully satisfy the workers' demands. Although some of their demands were taken into account, some of the dismissals carried out during the strike were upheld, leaving the workers with a feeling of injustice. This strike marked a crucial moment in the history of the labour movement in Geneva, demonstrating not only the ability of workers to unite and fight for their rights, but also the complexities and challenges associated with negotiating labour disputes in a context of changing laws and regulations.

The 1902 strike in Geneva, a crucial conflict in the history of the Swiss labour movement, was marked by episodes of violence and repression, illustrating the deep-rooted tensions between workers and the authorities. Clashes between strikers and the forces of law and order, including police and military troops, resulted in numerous injuries and arrests, testifying to the intensity of the conflict. Triggered by a disagreement over wages and working conditions at the Compagnie Genevoise de Tramways et d'Électricité (CGTE), the strike ended without a clear victory for the workers. Employees dismissed during the strike were not reinstated, and some union leaders were prosecuted. These outcomes represented significant setbacks for the labour movement. The strike also had significant political repercussions. It contributed to the disintegration of an alliance between the socialist and radical parties, marking a period of transition in Geneva's political landscape. This period was characterised by a decline in the commitment of Genevan radicalism to social issues, signalling a change in local political dynamics. However, despite these negative results, the 1902 strike had symbolic importance for the working class. It was seen as a defence of workers' dignity and played a crucial role in consolidating local trade unions. The strike also clarified the roles and positions of the different political forces regarding labour issues and workers' rights. Although the strike did not result in tangible gains for workers, it marked an important moment in the struggle for the recognition of workers' rights in Geneva, helping to shape the evolution of the labour movement and the political landscape in the region.

The perception of the 1902 strike in Geneva by the right illustrates the polarisation of opinions on workers' movements and strike action in general. For right-wing parties and individuals, the strike was often seen as an attack on democracy and the established order. This view is representative of a conservative tendency to value stability, public order and social hierarchy, seeing any form of labour protest, particularly when accompanied by violence or significant disruption, as a threat to these principles. For the right, actions such as strikes, especially when they become confrontational and disruptive, are often seen as unacceptable challenges to legitimate authority and the economic structure. In the context of the CGTE strike, where violence and repression were present, these concerns were probably exacerbated. Members of the right could have interpreted these events as a sign of social disorder and a challenge to law and order, essential to a functional and democratic society from their perspective. This divergence of opinion on the strike and workers' movements reflects fundamentally different conceptions of social justice, workers' rights and the role of the state in mediating economic and social conflict. For the right, preserving stability and the status quo can often be seen as more important than workers' demands, especially if those demands are presented in a way that disrupts public order or challenges the authority of existing structures.

The Waldeck-Rousseau law

Pierre Waldeck-Rousseau photographed by Nadar.

The Waldeck-Rousseau law, adopted in France in March 1884, represents a significant turning point in the history of French workers' rights. Named after the Prime Minister of the time, Pierre Waldeck-Rousseau, the main aim of this series of laws was to improve workers' rights while rebalancing power relations between employees and employers. This legislation introduced fundamental provisions that changed the dynamics of work in France. Among the most notable was the legalisation of trade unions. Prior to this legislation, trade unions in France often faced legal restrictions and repression. With this law, workers gained the legal right to form trade unions, enabling them to bargain collectively and fight more effectively for their rights and interests. The Waldeck-Rousseau law also included provisions on the right to strike, officially recognising this means of protest as a legitimate tool for workers seeking to assert their demands. In addition to these aspects, the law brought in regulations on working hours and conditions, helping to improve the general working environment.

The law was aimed at all professional groups, not just employees' unions. This broadened its impact, allowing for greater organisation and representation in various professional sectors. Considered a major victory for the labour movement in France, the Waldeck-Rousseau law marked an important step towards recognising and strengthening workers' rights in the country. It laid the foundations for modern labour relations in France and played a crucial role in promoting social justice and fairness in the world of work.

The Waldeck-Rousseau law represented a major development in workers' rights, although it did not specifically repeal the Le Chapelier law of 1791. The Le Chapelier law, introduced shortly after the French Revolution, had banned guilds and any form of professional association or trade union, severely restricting workers' rights to organise and take collective action. The Waldeck-Rousseau law, introduced almost a century later, marked a decisive turning point in legislation on workers' rights in France. Although it did not explicitly repeal the Le Chapelier law, it did introduce new provisions that enabled the legal formation of trade unions. The law gave workers the right to organise themselves into professional associations, paving the way for collective bargaining and the right to strike under certain conditions. This legislative change marked an important step in weakening the restrictions imposed by the Le Chapelier law and represented a significant advance in the recognition of workers' rights. The Waldeck-Rousseau law is therefore regarded as a milestone in the history of the labour movement in France, laying the foundations for modern industrial relations and labour legislation in the country.

The Waldeck-Rousseau law represented a historic turning point in France, marking the legalisation of the formation of trade unions. This legislation was a crucial element in a European context where, towards the end of the 19th century, countries gradually began to recognise and authorise trade unions despite an increase in social conflicts. The emergence of trade unions considerably transformed the way strikes were organised and conducted. As organisations representing the interests of workers, trade unions play a central role in negotiations with employers. Their presence enables workers to pool their resources and exert collective strength, strengthening their ability to negotiate better pay, improved working conditions and other benefits. Unions have also brought a dimension of regulation and discipline to the organisation of strikes. They don't just organise strikes; they structure them, coordinate them and ensure that they are conducted in an effective and orderly manner. This coordinated approach makes strikes more effective, as unions can bring together large numbers of workers and negotiate with employers in a unified way. Unions also provide vital support to striking workers, whether in the form of financial assistance or solidarity actions. The institutionalisation of disputes by the unions has also helped to make them more controlled and reasonable. This has made workers' demands more credible and rationalised, encouraging more constructive dialogue with employers and the authorities. In short, the emergence of trade unions has been a determining factor in the evolution of industrial relations, playing an essential role in the organisation, management and success of strike action.

The acculturation hypothesis

The acculturation hypothesis in the context of trade unions offers an interesting perspective on how these organisations can influence the culture and values of a society. This theory suggests that trade unions, by bringing together workers from diverse backgrounds and mobilising them around common goals, play an important role in disseminating progressive values and ideas within society. By encouraging solidarity and developing a shared identity among their members, trade unions help to create a space where individuals can be exposed to new ideas and perspectives. This exposure can lead to a change in the personal cultural values of union members. For example, notions such as equity, social justice and workers' rights can be reinforced and promoted within the group. Furthermore, the acculturation hypothesis implies that unions, in representing their members, also integrate certain values traditionally associated with the bourgeoisie, such as order and stability. This process of integration can lead to a balance where progressive values are mixed with a degree of respect for existing structures and norms. This allows trade unions to be both agents of change and stabilisers within society. In this way, unions are not limited to negotiating wages and working conditions; they can also play a key role in shaping social and cultural attitudes. Over time, this can lead to a wider adoption of progressive values in society at large, influencing not only the workplace but also the wider social and cultural fabric.

Criticisms that trade unions have become 'bourgeoisised' reflect a serious concern about the way in which these organisations represent workers' interests. These critics argue that trade unions, over time, have moved away from their original mission of defending the rights of the working class to focus more on protecting the interests of their existing members. This is seen as a departure from the ideal of fighting for equality and social justice for all workers. According to this perspective, by focusing on the needs of their members, unions have neglected the struggles and needs of the wider working class, particularly those of non-unionised workers or those in less organised sectors. This would have led to a certain disconnection from the realities and challenges facing the working class as a whole, with unions becoming more preoccupied with maintaining their own power and influence. Another criticism raises the issue of the closeness between unions and political parties or other organisations. This proximity is seen as having potentially undermined the independence of unions, making them less effective in representing workers' interests impartially and forcefully. Alliances with political parties can lead to unions adopting positions that are more in line with political interests than with the real needs of the workers they represent. These criticisms highlight a wider debate about the role of trade unions in contemporary society and how they can remain true to their founding principles while adapting to an ever-changing economic and social landscape. This is an important issue for trade unions, which must strike a balance between effectively representing their members, maintaining their independence and pursuing their historic mission of promoting social justice for the working class as a whole.

Initiating social policies

In the United Kingdom

Peel's Factory Act of 1802 is considered to be one of the first landmark pieces of social legislation in England. Named after Sir Robert Peel, who was its main promoter, the Act played a pioneering role in regulating working conditions in the textile industry, a key sector of the industrial revolution underway at the time. The background to this legislation was the alarming state of working conditions in textile factories, particularly cotton mills, where workers, including large numbers of children, were subjected to gruelling working hours and dangerous conditions. Peel's Factory Act was designed to improve these conditions by introducing specific standards for the health and safety of workers. One of the key provisions of the Act concerned the limitation of working hours for children. The law stipulated that children should not work more than 12 hours a day, which, although still extreme by modern standards, was a significant improvement on previous working practices. This limitation on children's working hours was an important recognition of the need to protect the most vulnerable workers in factories. Peel's Factory Act of 1802 set an important precedent for future factory safety legislation and marked the first step towards government regulation of working conditions in England. Although limited in scope and effectiveness, it paved the way for further reforms and marked the beginning of an era of more extensive and protective social legislation in the UK.

The Factories Act of 1833 represented a major advance in social and labour legislation in the UK, particularly with regard to the protection of factory workers, and more specifically children. The Act introduced stricter regulations on working conditions in factories, including restrictions on working hours and measures to protect workers' health and safety. One of the most important provisions of the 1833 Act was the establishment of a minimum age for factory work. It prohibited the employment of children under the age of 9 in factories, a measure that recognised the need to protect children from the dangers and abuses associated with industrial work. For children aged between 9 and 13, the law limited working hours to 9 hours a day, a significant restriction compared with previous working practices. For adolescents aged 13 to 18, working hours were limited to 12 hours a day. In addition, the law provided for a one-and-a-half hour break for meals, which was an important advance in terms of working conditions. The law also stipulated that the working day should not begin before 5.30 a.m. and end after 8.30 p.m., thus limiting working hours to a reasonable period of the day. In addition, it prohibited the employment of children at night, a crucial measure for the protection of their health and well-being. These regulations were applied in a wide range of factories, including cotton and wool mills, marking an important step towards improving the rights of factory workers. The Factories Act of 1833 paved the way for subsequent labour legislation in the UK, setting standards that influenced labour legislation in other countries too. The Act therefore played a crucial role in establishing more humane and fair labour standards during the Industrial Revolution.

The Factory Act of 1844, adopted in the United Kingdom, represented a significant step forward in the regulation of working conditions in factories, with particular emphasis on the protection of children and young workers. The Act was a milestone in the development of labour legislation and played a crucial role in defining workers' rights during the Industrial Revolution. The 1844 Act imposed stricter limits on children's working hours. It banned the employment of children under the age of nine in factories, recognising the importance of protecting the youngest members of the workforce. For children aged between nine and thirteen, working hours were limited to eight hours a day. This provision was a significant step forward in reducing the exploitation of children in an industrial working environment. For young workers aged between thirteen and eighteen, the law set a limit of twelve hours' work per day. In addition, it specified that these working hours had to be between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., with shorter hours on Saturdays (6 a.m. to 2 p.m.). These restrictions were designed to protect the health and well-being of young workers, while allowing them time for rest and personal activities. In addition to age limits and time restrictions, the Factory Act of 1844 also introduced improved health and safety regulations for factories. These measures aimed to ensure a safer and healthier working environment for all employees. The Factory Act of 1844 was an important milestone in the history of employment rights in the UK, setting fundamental standards for the protection of the most vulnerable workers and influencing the development of future employment legislation.

The Elementary Education Act 1880, also known as Forster's Education Act, was a crucial milestone in the history of education in the UK. Named after William Forster, who played a key role in its development, the Act marked a significant change in British education policy, laying the foundations for a more inclusive and accessible education system. One of the main aims of the Act was to improve access to education for all children, regardless of their social background. Prior to the Act, education in England was unequal and largely inaccessible to children from disadvantaged backgrounds. The Forster Act sought to change this by making elementary education available to all children in the country. The establishment of the first system of publicly funded elementary schools was a major step forward. It created schools where children could receive a basic education, regardless of their parents' ability to pay school fees. This initiative opened the doors of education to a much wider segment of the population. The law also introduced compulsory schooling for children aged between 5 and 10. The aim of this measure was to ensure that all children received a minimum education, which was essential not only for their personal development, but also for the progress of society as a whole. The Elementary Education Act of 1880 was a fundamental step in the democratisation of access to education in the UK. It played a key role in ensuring that education was no longer a privilege reserved for the elite, but a right available to all children, laying the foundations for a fairer and more enlightened society.

In Germany

Otto von Bismarck, as Chancellor of Prussia in the 1880s, played a pioneering role in the development of the first modern welfare state system. The social reforms he implemented were innovative for their time and laid the foundations for modern social security systems.

In 1883, Otto von Bismarck introduced the world's first compulsory health insurance system in Germany, marking a revolutionary step in the social protection of workers. This initiative, part of a package of social reforms, aimed to provide health cover and financial security for workers in the event of illness. The system devised by Bismarck enabled workers to access medical care without being burdened by the costs, thus ensuring that illness did not turn into a financial crisis for workers and their families. At the same time, it provided for financial compensation during periods of inability to work due to illness, ensuring that workers did not lose their entire income during their convalescence. The system was funded by compulsory contributions, shared between employers and employees. This shared funding approach was not only innovative, it also ensured the viability and sustainability of the system. By sharing the costs between the various stakeholders, Bismarck established a model of health cover that was both fair and sustainable. The introduction of health insurance in Germany under Bismarck had a profound impact, not only for German workers but also as a model for other countries. It demonstrated the feasibility and benefits of a publicly funded and regulated health system, laying the foundations for modern public health systems and influencing health and social policies around the world. This reform made a significant contribution to redefining the role of the state in guaranteeing the welfare of its citizens, setting a precedent for future social protection policies.

The introduction of accident insurance in Germany in 1884, at the instigation of Otto von Bismarck, represented another major advance in social legislation at the time. The aim of this reform was to provide additional protection for workers, by offering them compensation for injuries sustained in the course of their work. Prior to this law, workers who were injured in the workplace often found themselves without financial support, which exposed them to significant economic hardship, especially in the event of prolonged inability to work. Accident insurance changed this situation by guaranteeing that injured workers would receive financial compensation to help cover their living expenses and the medical costs associated with their injuries. This insurance operated on the principle of compulsory contributions, to which both employers and employees contributed. This system helped to spread the risks and costs associated with accidents at work, thereby reducing the financial burden on individual workers. The introduction of accident insurance not only provided essential financial security for injured workers, but also encouraged employers to improve workplace safety measures to reduce the frequency of accidents. Indeed, by being financially responsible for accidents, employers had a direct economic interest in maintaining safe working environments. This reform, part of Bismarck's initiatives to establish a social security system in Germany, played a crucial role in the recognition of workers' rights and dignity. It also laid the foundations for modern workers' compensation systems, influencing social protection policies around the world.

In 1889, Otto von Bismarck introduced another essential element as part of his social reforms in Germany: the establishment of old-age pensions. This was an innovative measure aimed at providing financial support for the elderly, recognising the importance of ensuring economic security for citizens in their later years. Prior to the introduction of this reform, many elderly people found themselves in a precarious economic situation once they could no longer work. The lack of financial support meant that older people were often dependent on their families or had to continue working, even when they were no longer physically able to do so. Old-age pensions changed this paradigm by providing a form of income security for the elderly, enabling them to live with dignity without depending entirely on their family or their ability to work. This pension system was financed by contributions from workers and employers, as well as by contributions from the State. This shared funding model reflected the commitment of society as a whole to supporting its older members. By establishing a fixed retirement age and guaranteeing a basic income for the elderly, Bismarck laid the foundations for modern pension systems. The introduction of old-age pensions in Germany under Bismarck was a major step forward in the creation of a comprehensive welfare system and had a significant impact on the way other countries would subsequently approach social security. This reform not only emphasised the importance of caring for the elderly, but also established the principle that social protection is a collective responsibility, a concept at the heart of modern welfare states.

Otto von Bismarck's introduction of health insurance in Germany, first introduced in 1883, was another key component of his social reforms. This insurance was designed to provide medical care not only for workers, but also for their families, marking an important step towards universal access to healthcare. Bismarck's health insurance system provided cover for medical expenses, including visits to the doctor, medicines and, in some cases, hospital treatment. This represented a significant advance at a time when healthcare costs could be prohibitive for average working people and their families. The insurance was funded by a system of contributions, with costs shared between employers, employees and the state. This model of collective financing was innovative for its time and served as a model for public health systems in other countries. The introduction of health insurance had a profound impact on German society. Not only did it improve access to healthcare for large sections of the population, it also helped to improve the overall health and productivity of workers. In addition, it increased the economic security of families by reducing the financial burden of unexpected health expenses. Bismarck's health insurance initiative is often seen as a fundamental step in the development of the modern welfare state, and has played a crucial role in the evolution of public health policies around the world. It demonstrated the importance of a collective approach to managing health risks and established the principle that access to healthcare is an essential social right.

The introduction of the eight-hour working day was a major step forward in improving working conditions for workers, although this reform was not one of the specific social measures initiated by Otto von Bismarck in Germany. The campaign for an eight-hour working day was a worldwide movement that gained momentum towards the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. The idea behind this demand was to divide the 24-hour day fairly into three parts of eight hours each: eight hours of work, eight hours of leisure and eight hours of rest. This reform was intended to replace the long, often exhausting and unhealthy working days that prevailed in industry during the Industrial Revolution. The implementation of the eight-hour working day varied from country to country and from industrial context to industrial context. In the United States, for example, the demand for an eight-hour working day was a central feature of the demonstrations on 1 May 1886, which culminated in the events in Haymarket Square in Chicago. In Europe and elsewhere, similar movements pushed governments to pass laws limiting working hours. The adoption of the eight-hour working day has had a profound effect on working conditions, improving the health and well-being of workers and contributing to a healthier work-life balance. It also played an important role in the organisation of modern work, setting a standard for working hours that is still widely respected today. Although Bismarck was a pioneer in establishing the welfare state and social insurance, the eight-hour working day was the result of separate labour movements and legislative reforms in different countries, reflecting a major shift in attitudes towards work and workers' rights at the turn of the 20th century.

The social reforms undertaken by Otto von Bismarck in the 1880s in Prussia were instrumental in improving the living conditions of the population and established a model for social protection policies worldwide. These reforms, which included the introduction of health insurance, accident insurance and old-age pensions, provided unprecedented protection against the risks associated with illness, accidents at work and old age, thereby significantly improving the quality of life of workers and their families. These initiatives also marked a turning point in social policy, demonstrating that the state could and should play an active role in the social protection of its citizens. Bismarck's approach not only helped to shape the modern welfare state, but also influenced social policy internationally. By recognising the state's responsibility for the welfare of its citizens, Bismarck's reforms encouraged other governments to adopt similar measures, leading to the establishment of more elaborate social security systems in many countries. In this way, Bismarck's social reforms had a profound and lasting impact, not only on Prussian society, but also on the way governments around the world viewed the welfare and protection of their citizens.

In Switzerland

The statement that Switzerland is both "pioneer and laggard" can be interpreted as reflecting the complexity and nuances of its historical development, particularly in terms of social policy and reform. Switzerland's position as both pioneer and laggard is indicative of the unique way in which the country has approached its economic, social and political development. This duality highlights the balance between innovation and tradition, rapid development in some areas and caution or delay in others.

During the 19th century, Switzerland, like many other nations at the time, relied heavily on child labour, particularly in the agricultural and domestic sectors. Hundreds of thousands of Swiss children were routinely sent to work on farms, where they performed a variety of arduous tasks, often under difficult conditions and for little or no pay. Similarly, in the home, children were frequently employed for housework and other forms of manual labour. This practice was widespread at the time, reflecting the social and economic norms of the time, when children's contribution to the family economy was often seen as essential. Faced with this situation, the Swiss government began to recognise the harmful effects of child labour on children's health, education and general development. In response, several laws were passed during the 19th century to protect children's rights and regulate child labour. These laws marked a significant turning point in Swiss labour policy, introducing measures such as restrictions on working hours, bans on work by children under a certain age, and improved standards for working conditions. These legislative reforms in Switzerland were part of a wider movement in Europe and the United States, where voices were increasingly being raised to reform child labour practices. This movement was driven by growing concerns about the welfare of children and recognition of the importance of education. The influence of various groups, including labour movements and children's rights organisations, also played a crucial role in bringing about these changes. Although Switzerland initially resorted to child labour, the country has gradually moved towards better protection of children's rights, reflecting a change in the social perception of child labour and a commitment to the healthy development and education of all children. These reforms marked the beginning of a new era in which children's rights and welfare began to be recognised and protected by law.

From the beginning of the 19th century, Switzerland began to recognise the need to regulate child labour, a major issue at a time when the exploitation of children at work was widespread. Laws passed in 1815 and 1837, particularly in the canton of Zurich, represented important efforts to protect children's rights and safeguard them from exploitation in the world of work. In 1815, Zurich took the pioneering step of banning night work for children and setting a minimum age of nine for work in factories. The law also limited children's working hours to 12 or 14 hours a day. Although these restrictions may seem excessive by today's standards, they were a significant step forward at the time, recognising the need to protect children from the most serious abuses of industrial work. The application of these laws was often uneven and, in practice, many children continued to work in difficult conditions. Despite these shortcomings, the legislation marked the beginning of a more sustained commitment to child protection in Switzerland. In 1837, this trend was reinforced by the adoption of similar laws in other Swiss cantons. These laws gradually broadened the framework of protection for children in the world of work and began to shape a more consistent and humane approach to child labour across the country. These first laws on child labour in Switzerland, although limited in scope and effectiveness, were important steps in the fight against child exploitation. They laid the foundations for future legislation and contributed to the gradual evolution of standards and attitudes towards child labour, not only in Switzerland but throughout Europe.

The laws on adult working hours adopted in Switzerland in 1848 and 1864 were significant milestones in the development of workers' rights and the regulation of the world of work. These laws, which were part of a European context of reforms linked to the Industrial Revolution, reflected a growing awareness of the needs of workers and the importance of labour regulation for their well-being. In 1848, Switzerland passed a law to limit excessive working hours for adults. This legislation was a direct response to the difficult and often dangerous working conditions of the time, characterised by long hours in unhealthy environments. By setting limits on working hours, the 1848 law marked a first step towards improving working conditions and recognising the rights of workers in Swiss industry. The Act of 1864 built on this, making changes and improvements to existing regulations. This could include further reductions in working hours or more effective enforcement of regulations, underlining Switzerland's ongoing commitment to improving working conditions. These adjustments were crucial to ensure that legislative changes were relevant and effective in meeting the challenges of the ever-changing world of work. These laws were important in that they set a precedent for future reforms and highlighted the increasing responsibility of the state in regulating the labour market. Although these reforms did not immediately transform working conditions, they laid the foundations for continued progress towards a more humane and equitable working environment in Switzerland. They also reflected a wider trend in Europe, where governments have begun to recognise the importance of regulating working conditions to protect workers' health and safety.

The Swiss Factory Law of 1877 was a crucial step in legislation designed to protect children from exploitation in the Swiss industrial world. The law was part of a wider European movement to recognise and protect children's rights, particularly in relation to factory work. Prior to the adoption of this law, children were frequently employed in Swiss factories, often in difficult conditions and for long hours. This practice was common in the context of the industrial revolution, when cheap and flexible labour, including children, was widely exploited in the manufacturing sector. The 1877 Act introduced specific regulations to improve working conditions for children in factories. It aimed to limit excessive working hours and ensure that working environments were suitable for children's age and ability. By establishing standards for the employment of children, the law helped to reduce the most flagrant abuses of their exploitation in the industrial sector. The adoption of the Factory Law in 1877 marked Switzerland's recognition of the need to protect children in a rapidly industrialising world. It also emphasised the importance of children's education and welfare, as opposed to their use as labour in conditions that were often detrimental to their healthy development. This law was an important milestone in the history of children's rights in Switzerland, reflecting a change in social and political attitudes towards child labour and laying the foundations for future reforms in this area.

The Swiss Factory Act of 1877 marked a turning point in the protection of children working in industrial environments. By tackling several key aspects of child labour in factories, this legislation played a crucial role in ensuring their safety and well-being. One of the central points of this law was to limit the number of hours children could work. By imposing clear limits, the law aimed to prevent the excessive exploitation of children and to ensure that their workload was compatible with their development and education. This represented a significant step forward in recognising the specific needs of children in terms of work and rest. The law also prohibited the employment of children in conditions considered dangerous. This measure was intended to protect them from the risks inherent in industrial environments, which are often marked by health and safety hazards. In addition, the law stipulated that children should be given sufficient breaks and rest periods, recognising the importance of rest for their physical and mental health. The legislation also included provisions for the supervision of children in factories, ensuring that their work was carried out in suitable and safe conditions. Employers who failed to comply with these standards were liable to penalties, which strengthened the effective application of the law. The Factories Act of 1877 was a major milestone in the development of Swiss legislation on child labour. By addressing issues such as working hours, working conditions, breaks and supervision, this law not only improved the situation of working children in Switzerland, but also reflected a significant change in the way society perceived and treated children in the world of work. The legislation placed a strong emphasis on protecting their health, safety and welfare, setting a precedent for future reforms in this area.

The social situation around 1913

En 1913, l'Europe, juste avant le déclenchement de la Première Guerre mondiale, était caractérisée par des inégalités sociales et économiques profondes, ainsi qu'un manque notable de soutien institutionnel pour les personnes dans le besoin. Cette période, suivant les transformations rapides de la révolution industrielle, a vu de larges segments de la population vivre dans des conditions de pauvreté. Les disparités socio-économiques étaient particulièrement marquées, avec une grande partie de la population, notamment dans les zones urbaines et industrialisées, vivant dans des conditions précaires. Malgré l'avancement économique et industriel, les bénéfices de cette croissance n'étaient pas équitablement partagés. De nombreux citoyens européens faisaient face à des défis tels que le logement insalubre, un accès limité à l'éducation de qualité, et un manque de soins de santé appropriés. Parallèlement, les programmes gouvernementaux pour aider les personnes dans le besoin étaient soit très limités, soit inexistants. Les structures de l'État-providence, telles que nous les connaissons aujourd'hui, étaient encore en phase de conceptualisation ou de mise en œuvre initiale dans quelques pays seulement. Les personnes incapables de travailler, qu'il s'agisse des personnes âgées, malades, ou handicapées, se retrouvaient souvent sans aucun filet de sécurité social ou soutien gouvernemental. Dans ce contexte, la dépendance à l'égard des organisations caritatives et privées était courante, mais ces institutions ne pouvaient pas toujours répondre efficacement à l'ampleur des besoins. Leur aide était souvent inégale et insuffisante, laissant de nombreux individus dans des situations précaires. De plus, l'Europe de 1913 était déjà en proie à des tensions politiques et militaires qui allaient bientôt conduire à la Première Guerre mondiale. Les répercussions de la guerre allaient aggraver les problèmes socio-économiques existants, posant des défis encore plus importants pour les populations européennes. L'Europe en 1913 présentait un paysage social complexe, marqué par d'importantes inégalités et un manque de soutien systématique pour les plus vulnérables. Cette période a souligné la nécessité de réformes sociales et a préparé le terrain pour les développements futurs dans le domaine du bien-être social et des politiques publiques.

Avant le déclenchement de la Première Guerre mondiale, la société européenne était caractérisée par un manque prononcé de mobilité sociale, contribuant significativement à l'inégalité généralisée de l'époque. Cette période a vu la majorité des individus rester dans la classe sociale où ils étaient nés, avec peu de chances de progresser ou de décliner sur l'échelle sociale. Dans cette société stratifiée, les barrières entre les classes sociales étaient fortement ancrées. Les systèmes éducatifs, largement inaccessibles pour les classes inférieures, jouaient un rôle clé dans le maintien de ces barrières. L'éducation étant un facteur essentiel de la mobilité sociale, son inaccessibilité pour les populations défavorisées limitait considérablement leurs opportunités de progression. Parallèlement, les opportunités économiques étaient inégalement réparties, favorisant souvent ceux qui étaient déjà en position de privilège. Les structures politiques et économiques existantes étaient conçues de manière à favoriser les classes supérieures et à maintenir le statu quo, créant ainsi un cycle difficile à briser pour ceux cherchant à améliorer leur situation. Ce manque de mobilité sociale avait des conséquences profondes sur la société européenne, renforçant les inégalités existantes et alimentant des tensions sociales. La classe ouvrière et les populations défavorisées se voyaient souvent privées de voies pour améliorer leur situation économique, tandis que les élites conservaient leur position et leurs avantages. Cette dynamique a engendré des frustrations et un mécontentement croissant, posant les bases de conflits sociaux et politiques. Néanmoins, vers la fin du 19ème siècle et au début du 20ème, des changements commençaient à émerger. Les réformes sociales, les mouvements de travailleurs et les évolutions économiques ont commencé à créer de nouvelles opportunités, bien que ces changements aient été progressifs et souvent inégaux. Malgré ces évolutions, la société européenne d'avant-guerre restait largement marquée par des divisions de classe rigides et un manque de mobilité sociale, contribuant à un paysage social complexe et souvent inégal.

Avant la Première Guerre mondiale, le paysage social de l'Europe était marqué par une absence notable de droits politiques et sociaux pour plusieurs groupes, notamment les femmes. Cette période était caractérisée par des structures sociales et politiques qui limitaient considérablement la participation de certains groupes à la vie publique et politique. Les femmes étaient particulièrement touchées par ces restrictions. Leur droit de vote était presque universellement refusé à travers l'Europe, les excluant ainsi des processus de prise de décision politique et de gouvernance. Cette privation de droits politiques reflétait les attitudes et normes sociales de l'époque, qui considéraient la politique comme un domaine réservé aux hommes. En outre, les possibilités pour les femmes d'occuper des postes politiques étaient extrêmement limitées, sinon inexistantes, renforçant ainsi leur exclusion de la sphère politique. Au-delà de la politique, les femmes étaient souvent exclues de nombreux aspects de la vie publique et sociale. Elles rencontraient des obstacles importants dans l'accès à l'éducation supérieure et aux opportunités professionnelles. Dans de nombreux cas, elles étaient cantonnées à des rôles traditionnels centrés sur la famille et le foyer, et leur participation à la vie publique et sociale était souvent limitée par des normes et des attentes sociétales rigides. Cependant, cette période a également vu l'émergence et la croissance des mouvements de suffragettes et d'autres groupes de défense des droits des femmes à travers l'Europe. Ces mouvements luttèrent pour l'égalité des droits, notamment le droit de vote pour les femmes, et remirent en question les structures et les normes sociales qui perpétuaient l'inégalité de genre. Bien que leurs efforts aient été rencontrés avec résistance, ils ont jeté les bases des réformes qui suivraient dans les décennies à venir. La société européenne d'avant la Première Guerre mondiale était caractérisée par une exclusion significative de certains groupes, en particulier les femmes, de la vie politique et sociale. Cette exclusion reflétait les normes et structures sociales de l'époque, mais elle a également servi de catalyseur pour les mouvements visant à obtenir l'égalité et les droits pour tous les citoyens.

Avant le déclenchement de la Première Guerre mondiale, l'Europe était marquée par d'importantes inégalités sociales et économiques, ainsi qu'un manque flagrant de soutien pour les personnes les plus vulnérables. Cette période, caractérisée par les transformations rapides de la révolution industrielle, a vu une grande partie de la population vivre dans des conditions de pauvreté, tandis que les structures de protection sociale étaient insuffisantes ou inexistantes dans de nombreux pays. Les inégalités étaient particulièrement frappantes dans les zones urbaines industrialisées, où une élite relativement restreinte jouissait de la richesse et du pouvoir, tandis que la majorité de la population faisait face à des conditions de vie difficiles. Les travailleurs, en particulier, souffraient souvent de longues heures de travail, de salaires bas et d'un manque d'assurances sociales. Parallèlement, les personnes âgées, malades ou handicapées se trouvaient souvent sans aucun filet de sécurité, dépendant de la charité ou de leur famille pour leur survie. De plus, de nombreux groupes sociaux étaient exclus du processus politique. Les femmes, par exemple, se voyaient généralement refuser le droit de vote et étaient exclues de la participation politique active. Cette exclusion contribuait à un sentiment général d'injustice et d'aliénation parmi de larges segments de la population. Ces inégalités et ce manque de soutien institutionnel ont alimenté des tensions sociales et politiques croissantes en Europe. Le fossé entre les riches et les pauvres, l'absence de droits politiques pour des groupes importants et l'insuffisance des mesures pour améliorer les conditions de vie ont créé un climat de mécontentement et d'instabilité. Ces facteurs, combinés à d'autres dynamiques politiques et militaires de l'époque, ont contribué à poser les bases des troubles sociaux et politiques qui ont finalement conduit au déclenchement de la Première Guerre mondiale.

Avant la Première Guerre mondiale, les conditions de travail en Europe étaient souvent difficiles et précaires, particulièrement dans les secteurs industriels en plein essor. Les travailleurs étaient confrontés à des journées prolongées, parfois jusqu'à 12 heures ou plus, et les salaires étaient généralement bas, ne suffisant pas toujours à couvrir les besoins de base des familles ouvrières. Ces conditions étaient exacerbées par des environnements de travail souvent dangereux, où les mesures de sécurité étaient insuffisantes voire inexistantes. Les accidents et les maladies professionnelles étaient fréquents, et les travailleurs avaient peu de recours pour obtenir une compensation ou une protection. Le pouvoir dans ces environnements de travail était fortement déséquilibré en faveur des employeurs, qui étaient souvent de grands industriels ou des entreprises importantes. Ces employeurs avaient une influence considérable sur la vie quotidienne de leurs employés, dictant non seulement les conditions de travail, mais influençant également, dans certains cas, les aspects de leur vie personnelle et familiale. Les travailleurs, quant à eux, avaient peu de contrôle sur leur environnement de travail et leurs conditions d'emploi. À cette époque, les protections légales pour les travailleurs étaient limitées. Les syndicats et les mouvements ouvriers étaient en développement, mais leur capacité à influencer les conditions de travail et à négocier avec les employeurs était souvent entravée par des lois restrictives et une résistance patronale. En conséquence, de nombreux travailleurs se retrouvaient sans défense face aux abus et à l'exploitation, et les grèves et les protestations étaient fréquentes, bien qu'elles soient souvent réprimées. Dans ce contexte, les conditions de travail et l'injustice sociale étaient des sources majeures de mécontentement et de tension. Cette situation a contribué à alimenter les mouvements de réforme sociale et ouvrière qui cherchaient à améliorer les droits et les conditions de travail des employés. Cette dynamique sociale a également joué un rôle dans le contexte plus large des tensions qui ont conduit à la Première Guerre mondiale, car les inégalités et les frustrations sociales ont exacerbé les divisions politiques et les conflits au sein et entre les nations européennes.

En 1913, les syndicats jouaient un rôle crucial dans la défense et la promotion des droits des travailleurs en Europe. À une époque marquée par des conditions de travail difficiles, des salaires bas et des horaires de travail exténuants, les syndicats sont devenus un outil essentiel pour les travailleurs cherchant à améliorer leur situation professionnelle. Formés par des travailleurs unis par des intérêts communs, les syndicats ont cherché à négocier de meilleures conditions de travail, des salaires plus élevés et une meilleure sécurité d'emploi pour leurs membres. Ils ont utilisé diverses tactiques pour atteindre ces objectifs, dont la plus notable était la négociation collective. Par ce processus, les représentants syndicaux négociaient directement avec les employeurs pour parvenir à des accords sur les salaires, les heures de travail et d'autres conditions d'emploi. Outre la négociation collective, les syndicats ont souvent eu recours à d'autres formes d'action, telles que les grèves, les manifestations et d'autres formes de protestation pour faire pression sur les employeurs et attirer l'attention sur les revendications des travailleurs. Ces actions étaient parfois confrontées à une forte résistance de la part des employeurs et des autorités gouvernementales, mais elles ont joué un rôle clé dans l'obtention de changements significatifs. Les syndicats ont également contribué à sensibiliser aux questions de justice sociale et économique, plaçant les préoccupations des travailleurs dans un contexte plus large de droits et de réformes sociales. En 1913, les syndicats étaient de plus en plus reconnus comme des acteurs importants dans les débats sur les politiques sociales et économiques, bien que leur influence variait selon les pays et les secteurs. En 1913, les syndicats de travailleurs étaient des acteurs essentiels dans la lutte pour l'amélioration des conditions de travail et des droits des travailleurs en Europe. Leur action a joué un rôle déterminant dans la progression vers des conditions de travail plus justes et plus sûres, et dans l'évolution des relations entre employeurs et employés.

Avant la Première Guerre mondiale, les syndicats de travailleurs en Europe ont accompli des avancées significatives dans la négociation de meilleures conditions pour leurs membres. Leur capacité à négocier avec succès de meilleurs salaires a été une réalisation majeure. Ces augmentations salariales ont été cruciales pour améliorer le niveau de vie des travailleurs, bon nombre d'entre eux vivant auparavant dans la précarité à cause de revenus insuffisants. En outre, les syndicats ont joué un rôle déterminant dans la réduction des heures de travail, contribuant ainsi à améliorer la santé et le bien-être général des travailleurs, tout en favorisant un meilleur équilibre entre vie professionnelle et vie privée. L'amélioration des conditions de travail, notamment en termes de sécurité et d'hygiène sur les lieux de travail, a également été un aspect important de leur action. Les syndicats ont œuvré pour des environnements de travail plus sûrs, réduisant ainsi le nombre d'accidents et de maladies professionnelles. Ces efforts ont non seulement bénéficié aux travailleurs eux-mêmes, mais ont également eu un impact positif sur l'économie dans son ensemble. Des travailleurs mieux rémunérés et en meilleure santé ont stimulé la consommation et contribué à une plus grande stabilité économique. Ces améliorations n'ont pas seulement profité aux travailleurs individuellement, mais ont également eu un impact considérable sur l'économie et la société en général. Une main-d'œuvre mieux payée, en meilleure santé et plus équilibrée a contribué à une croissance économique accrue et à une stabilité sociale plus grande. Ainsi, les actions des syndicats avant la Première Guerre mondiale ont non seulement marqué un progrès dans les conditions de travail, mais ont également jeté les bases d'une société plus juste et équitable. Leur engagement envers l'amélioration des droits et conditions de travail des travailleurs a eu des répercussions durables sur le paysage social et économique européen.

Avant la Première Guerre mondiale, les syndicats de travailleurs en Europe ne se limitaient pas seulement à la négociation de salaires et de conditions de travail. Ils s'engageaient également dans une gamme étendue d'activités qui avaient un impact significatif sur la vie des travailleurs et sur la société dans son ensemble. L'éducation et la formation des membres constituaient une part importante de ces activités. Les syndicats comprenaient l'importance de l'éducation dans l'émancipation des travailleurs et la lutte contre l'exploitation. Ils organisaient donc souvent des programmes de formation et des ateliers pour éduquer leurs membres sur leurs droits, les questions de sécurité au travail, et les compétences nécessaires pour améliorer leur employabilité et leur efficacité au travail. Parallèlement, les syndicats jouaient un rôle actif dans la défense des droits des travailleurs. Ils ne se contentaient pas de négocier des conditions de travail plus justes, mais luttaient également contre les pratiques abusives des employeurs et cherchaient à assurer un traitement équitable pour tous les travailleurs. Cette défense des droits allait souvent au-delà des lieux de travail et touchait des aspects plus larges de la justice sociale. En outre, les syndicats étaient fréquemment impliqués dans la promotion de réformes sociales et politiques. Ils reconnaissaient que les changements législatifs étaient essentiels pour garantir des droits durables et des conditions de travail équitables. Ainsi, ils participaient activement aux débats politiques et sociales, plaidant pour des lois qui amélioreraient la vie des travailleurs et de leurs familles. Ces diverses activités menées par les syndicats ont contribué à améliorer considérablement la vie des travailleurs. En fournissant éducation, formation et défense des droits, les syndicats ont aidé à élever le statut des travailleurs et à promouvoir une société plus juste et équitable. Leur impact s'étendait donc bien au-delà des négociations salariales et des conditions de travail, touchant des aspects fondamentaux de la vie sociale et politique.

Au fil du temps, en Europe, le paysage du travail a subi des changements significatifs, particulièrement avec la montée en puissance des syndicats de travailleurs. Au fur et à mesure que de plus en plus de personnes rejoignaient les rangs des syndicats, ces organisations ont acquis une influence et une capacité accrues à négocier des améliorations tangibles pour leurs membres. L'adhésion croissante aux syndicats a renforcé leur position lors des négociations avec les employeurs. Avec un nombre plus important de travailleurs unis sous une même bannière, les syndicats ont gagné en légitimité et en pouvoir de négociation. Cette solidarité accrue a permis aux syndicats d'obtenir des salaires plus élevés, des horaires de travail plus raisonnables et des conditions de travail plus sûres pour leurs membres. Ces améliorations ont eu un impact direct et positif sur la vie des travailleurs. Des salaires plus élevés ont amélioré le pouvoir d'achat et les conditions de vie des employés, tandis que des conditions de travail meilleures ont contribué à une meilleure santé et un bien-être accru. De plus, la réduction des heures de travail a permis aux travailleurs de passer plus de temps avec leurs familles et dans leurs communautés, contribuant ainsi à une meilleure qualité de vie. Par ailleurs, ces changements n'ont pas seulement bénéficié aux travailleurs, mais ont également eu des répercussions positives sur l'économie dans son ensemble. Une main-d'œuvre mieux rémunérée et plus satisfaite a stimulé la consommation, ce qui a, à son tour, contribué à la croissance économique. De plus, des conditions de travail améliorées ont conduit à une productivité accrue et à une réduction de l'absentéisme, ce qui a été bénéfique pour les entreprises et l'économie globale. L'ascension des syndicats de travailleurs et leur succès dans la négociation de meilleures conditions pour leurs membres ont joué un rôle clé dans l'amélioration de la vie des travailleurs et dans le développement économique en Europe. Ces changements ont marqué une évolution importante dans les relations de travail et ont contribué à établir un cadre plus juste et équilibré pour les employés et les employeurs.

Après la Première Guerre mondiale, l'Europe a assisté à un essor considérable de l'État-providence, un changement qui a eu des répercussions majeures sur la vie des travailleurs et sur la société dans son ensemble. Cette période a vu les gouvernements européens adopter une approche plus interventionniste en matière de bien-être social, mettant en place des politiques et des programmes destinés à soutenir ceux qui étaient incapables de travailler ou qui se trouvaient dans le besoin. L'un des changements les plus significatifs apportés par l'essor de l'État-providence a été l'amélioration de l'accès aux soins de santé. Les gouvernements ont commencé à établir des systèmes de santé publique, offrant des soins médicaux accessibles à une plus grande partie de la population. Cette initiative a non seulement amélioré la santé publique, mais a également joué un rôle crucial dans l'amélioration de la qualité de vie des travailleurs et de leurs familles. En parallèle, l'éducation est devenue une priorité pour les gouvernements, avec l'expansion de l'éducation publique et l'amélioration de son accessibilité. Cette évolution a ouvert des opportunités d'apprentissage et de développement des compétences, favorisant ainsi la mobilité sociale et offrant de meilleures perspectives d'avenir aux travailleurs et à leurs enfants. L'intervention étatique dans des domaines tels que la santé, l'éducation et le logement a contribué de manière significative à la réduction de la pauvreté et des inégalités. Les systèmes de sécurité sociale mis en place ont fourni un filet de sécurité essentiel, protégeant les travailleurs et leurs familles contre l'instabilité économique. Ces mesures ont aidé à atténuer la vulnérabilité économique de nombreux citoyens. Dans les années qui ont suivi la guerre, ces initiatives ont jeté les bases du développement de systèmes de protection sociale plus complets et plus robustes. Les pays européens ont continué à développer et à renforcer leurs programmes d'État-providence, établissant des modèles de soins sociaux et économiques qui ont profondément influencé les politiques contemporaines. L'essor de l'État-providence en Europe après la Première Guerre mondiale a joué un rôle déterminant dans la création de sociétés plus justes et plus égalitaires. Ces avancées ont non seulement amélioré la vie individuelle des travailleurs, mais ont également contribué à la stabilité et à la prospérité économiques de l'Europe dans son ensemble.

Avant la Première Guerre mondiale, le concept d'État-providence tel que nous le connaissons aujourd'hui était peu développé, et de nombreux pays européens n'avaient pas encore mis en place des systèmes de protection sociale complets et structurés. Cette période se caractérisait par un rôle limité du gouvernement dans le soutien aux citoyens vulnérables ou en difficulté. À cette époque, l'assistance gouvernementale pour ceux qui ne pouvaient pas travailler, que ce soit en raison de maladie, de handicap, de vieillesse ou de chômage, était généralement insuffisante ou inexistante. Les politiques et les programmes sociaux étatiques étaient souvent limités en portée et en efficacité, laissant de nombreuses personnes sans soutien adéquat. En l'absence de systèmes de sécurité sociale étatiques, les individus et les familles se retrouvaient souvent dans une situation de grande précarité. Beaucoup dépendaient des organismes de charité privés, qui jouaient un rôle essentiel dans la fourniture d'aide aux plus démunis. Cependant, cette aide était souvent aléatoire et ne suffisait pas à répondre à la demande croissante, en particulier dans les zones urbaines densément peuplées. En outre, les familles devaient souvent compter sur leurs propres économies ou sur le soutien de leur communauté pour subvenir à leurs besoins essentiels. Cette dépendance à l'égard des ressources personnelles ou communautaires mettait de nombreuses personnes dans une situation de vulnérabilité, particulièrement en cas de crises économiques ou de difficultés personnelles. Avant la Première Guerre mondiale, l'absence d'un État-providence bien défini et structuré en Europe a laissé de nombreux citoyens sans le soutien nécessaire en période de besoin. Cette situation a contribué à la prise de conscience de l'importance de développer des systèmes de protection sociale plus solides, conduisant à des réformes importantes dans les années suivant la guerre.

Bien que le concept d'État-providence n'ait pas été pleinement développé avant la Première Guerre mondiale, il y avait quelques exceptions notables à cette tendance générale. Des pays comme l'Allemagne et le Royaume-Uni avaient commencé à mettre en place des programmes d'aide sociale limités, ciblant certaines catégories de la population, notamment les personnes âgées et les personnes handicapées. En Allemagne, sous l'impulsion du Chancelier Otto von Bismarck dans les années 1880, un système de sécurité sociale novateur a été introduit. Il comprenait des assurances pour les accidents du travail, les soins de santé et une forme de pension pour les personnes âgées. Ces mesures représentaient les premiers pas vers un système de protection sociale organisé et financé par l'État, et elles ont servi de modèle pour d'autres pays. Au Royaume-Uni, la fin du 19ème siècle et le début du 20ème siècle ont vu l'introduction de réformes sociales progressives. Les lois sur les pensions de vieillesse, adoptées au début des années 1900, fournissaient un soutien financier aux personnes âgées. Bien que ces programmes aient été relativement limités en termes de portée et de générosité, ils ont marqué un début important dans la reconnaissance du rôle du gouvernement dans le soutien aux citoyens vulnérables. Ces programmes étaient généralement financés par les impôts ou d'autres sources de revenus gouvernementaux. Ils visaient à offrir un filet de sécurité minimal aux personnes qui étaient incapables de subvenir à leurs propres besoins en raison de l'âge, du handicap ou d'autres circonstances. Bien qu'ils n'aient pas été aussi complets que les systèmes de sécurité sociale développés ultérieurement, ces premières initiatives ont posé les bases d'un soutien gouvernemental plus structuré et plus systématique aux citoyens dans le besoin. Ainsi, bien que l'Europe d'avant-guerre ait largement manqué de systèmes de protection sociale étendus, les initiatives prises par des pays comme l'Allemagne et le Royaume-Uni ont été des pas importants vers l'établissement de l'État-providence tel que nous le connaissons aujourd'hui. Ces programmes ont joué un rôle clé dans la transition vers une prise en charge plus active par l'État du bien-être de ses citoyens.