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History Revolutionary

Magnificent Fight

The 1919 Winnipeg General Strike

by (author) Dennis Lewycky

Publisher
Fernwood Publishing
Initial publish date
Apr 2019
Category
Revolutionary, Labor & Industrial Relations, Post-Confederation (1867-)
  • Paperback / softback

    ISBN
    9781773630977
    Publish Date
    Apr 2019
    List Price
    $22.00
  • eBook

    ISBN
    9781773630984
    Publish Date
    Apr 2019
    List Price
    $21.99

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Description

In May 1919, 30,000 Winnipeg workers walked away from their jobs, shutting down large factories, forcing businesses to close and bringing major industries to a halt. Mounted police and hired security, at the behest of the ruling class, violently ended the protest after six weeks. Two men were killed. What started as trade union revolt, the Winnipeg General Strike became a mass protest and was branded as a revolution.

In Magnificent Fight, Dennis Lewycky lays out the history of this iconic event, which remains the biggest and longest strike in Canadian history. He analyzes the social, political and economic conditions leading up to the strike. He also illustrates the effects the strike had on workers, unions and all three levels of government in the following decades.

Far from a simple retelling of the General Strike, Magnificent Fight speaks to the power of workers’ solidarity and social organization. And Lewycky reveals the length the capitalist class and the state went to in protecting the status quo. By retelling the story of the Strike through the eyes of those who witnessed it, Lewycky’s account is both educational and entertaining.

About the author

 

Dennis Lewycky has been involved in managing and facilitating social justice and development for almost forty-five years. He has helped community groups and government agencies address issues of poverty, homelessness and discrimination. He is the author of Equal Shares.

 

Dennis Lewycky's profile page

Editorial Reviews

“Magnificent Fight should be required reading for all activists striving to build a better world.”

Paul Moist, past national president, CUPE

“A wonderful commemoration of the Winnipeg General Strike and exploration of its meaning for today’s Canada. I recommend Magnificent Fight to all.”

Nolan Reilly, University of Winnipeg