The Winnipeg General Strike

Earlier this week Stuff You Missed in History Class released an episode on The Winnipeg General Strike of 1919. It’s a fair introduction to the strike and its context. The racism and xenophobia leveled against strikers is all too familiar as tactics of the right today and the events have much to tell us about struggles today.

Earlier this week Stuff You Missed in History Class released an episode on The Winnipeg General Strike of 1919. It’s a fair introduction to the strike and its context. The racism and xenophobia leveled against strikers is all too familiar as tactics of the right today and the events have much to tell us about struggles today. The strike looms large as a pivotal moment for Canada’s left and the springboard for some of the crucial advancements that have been made for the working class.

There is also a long article on the strike at CBC News that can add more. There’s one bit that stands out as exemplifying the stance of the movement.

In the Strike Bulletin and Western Labor News, editor William Ivens printed a cautionary note on May 26, warning supporters to stay calm.


“No matter how great the provocation, do not quarrel. Do not say an angry word. Walk away from the fellow who tried to draw you [in]. Take everything to the Central Strike Committee.


“If you are hungry, go to them. We will share our last crust together. If one starves, we will all starve. We will fight on, and on, and on. We will never surrender.”

Winnipeg strikes

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