Manchester, a city in northern England, is the birthplace of industry and the cradle of working-class values. The city’s history as the world’s first modern industrial city gave rise to the urban working class, which emerged and demanded rights and representation.
The Cradle of the Working Class: Manchester’s Legacy
Manchester, a city in northern England, prides itself on being the birthplace of working-class values. This reputation is rooted in the city’s history as the world’s first modern industrial city, where the urban working class emerged and came together to demand rights and representation.
The Emergence of the Working Class
The Industrial Revolution brought about a new urban working class in Manchester, which was formed by agricultural workers from across Britain who moved to the city to work in the cotton mills. The rapid industrialization of the city fueled resentment among workers, who were not allowed to vote due to their social and economic status.
Working-class values emphasize hard work, 'self-reliance' , and community involvement.
These individuals often prioritize practicality over materialism, valuing skills that contribute to the family's well-being.
They tend to be loyal and dedicated to their occupations, with a strong sense of duty towards their employers and colleagues.
According to a Gallup survey, 47% of working-class Americans identify as conservative, while 31% consider themselves moderate.
Their values are shaped by experiences such as economic uncertainty, limited social mobility, and reliance on community support.
Marx and Engels: Chroniclers of the Working Class
German philosophers Friedrich Engels and Karl Marx lived and worked in Manchester during the 19th century. Engels moved to Manchester in 1842 to manage his father’s cotton factory, while Marx visited him regularly. The two philosophers were inspired by the suffering they witnessed in the city, which shaped their ideas about class struggle and inequality.
Karl Marx was a German philosopher, economist, and journalist who lived from 1818 to 1883.
He is best known for his ideas on communism and the labor movement.
Born in Trier, Germany, Marx studied law and philosophy at the University of Berlin.
He later moved to Paris, where he began writing about economics and politics.
In 1848, Marx published 'The Communist Manifesto', a influential work that outlined his vision for a classless society.
Marx's ideas have had a significant impact on modern politics and continue to be studied by scholars around the world.
The small wooden desk in Chetham’s Library, where ‘many of their works’ was written at this desk, is now considered one of the most important desks in history. Drafts of the Communist Manifesto and Das Kapital were written at this desk, with Marx sitting at one end and Engels at the other.
International Solidarity and Labor Movements
Manchester‘s history as a hub for workers’ movements has had a lasting impact on international solidarity and labor movements around the world. The city’s People’s History Museum charts a history of international solidarity with workers that started in Manchester, which has reverberated through political discourse ever since.
The global struggle for workers’ rights, from Manchester to Pennsylvania, is a testament to the enduring legacy of the working class movement. What began in Manchester with an 1819 massacre of peasants gave birth to the world’s first workers’ movements, trade unions, and an idea of equality that has fueled social justice and labor movements around the world.
Workers' rights refer to the entitlements and protections afforded to employees in the workplace.
These rights are often governed by labor laws, regulations, and international agreements.
Key aspects of workers' rights include fair wages, safe working conditions, reasonable work hours, and protection from discrimination and harassment.
The International Labor Organization (ILO) estimates that 1 in 10 workers worldwide lack social security coverage, highlighting the need for universal access to workers' rights.
The city’s connection to these international struggles is still evident today, as workers continue to fight for better working conditions, fair wages, and equal rights. Manchester’s legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of standing together in solidarity with workers worldwide.
