STRIKE 1919!
DATES AND FACTS
May 15, 1919
By noon, 20,000 people are on
strike.
June 9, 1919
Special police officers are
recruited by Committee of One
Thousand.
June 10, 1919
Specials clash with strikers at
Portage and Main.
June 16, 1919
Strike leaders arrested.
June 21, 1919
Bloody Saturday marks the
defeat of the strike.
OTHER RESOURCES
Confrontation at Winnipeg:
labour, industrial relations, and
the General Strike by David Jay
Bercuson.
Montreal: McGill-Queen's
University Press, 1974.
The workers' revolt in Canada,
1917-1925 edited by Craig
Heron.
Toronto: University of Toronto
Press, 1998.
MAPS
Chataway's Map of Winnipeg
New Edition highlighting Strike
events.
Lessons > Strike 1919! Senior 3
Strike 1919! Senior 3
Purpose
Students will examine the development and operation of trade unions.
Students will explore the divisions created by Winnipeg's industrialization and
growing conflict within the labour movement.
Students will identify the events that led to the defeat for the unions.
Students will develop further awareness of the strike's impact on Winnipeg and
Canada’s economic development.
Curriculum Outcomes: Canada: A Social And Political History
Response to Industrialization: Working-Class Movements
Cooperatives, Professional Associations, Employers' Associations
The effect trade unions have on the life of the average worker
The effect cooperative movement and associations have on Canadian society
The concept of restructuring
Economic and Political ties developing between Canada and developed
countries
How Canada is influenced culturally, economically and politically
Materials: (Activating student interest and Acquiring information)
Background information on trade unions
Biographical information on the prominent Winnipeg men and organizations
that were involved with the strike
Documents:
Chataway's Map of Winnipeg
Photos
The Enlightener. Strike editions published Jun 25, 1919 - Jun 26, 1919.
One Big Union. Strike edition published Aug. 30, 1919.
Striker's Defense Bulletin. Strike editions published Aug. 1919
Western Labor News. Strike editions published Apr 4, 1919, May 17,
1919- Jun 23, 1919,June 27 1919 Sep 5, 1919
Western Star. Strike editions published Jun 24, 1919
Winnipeg Citizen. Strike editions published from May 19, 1919 - June
20,1919.
The Winnipeg Socialist. Strike edition published May 1, 1921
Winnipeg Telegram. Strike editions published May 28, 1919 to Jun 28,
1919.
Vocabulary : to promote use of language in oral discussion, reading and written
work
strike
revolution
socialist
business
committee
benefits
council
dispute
services
revolt
volunteers
criminal
code
cause
journeyman
economics
radical
censorship
prosecution
force
trials
solidarity
divisions
wages
replacement
congress
criticism
exchange
inflation
bargaining
contract
ultimatum
affront
loyal
donation
initiative
sedition
conspiracy
influence
citizen
Suggestions for Instruction: (Applying)
Create opportunities for students to review the following:
Working-class movements
Cooperatives
Professional Associations
Employers’ Associations
Using the background and website information, have the students find the similarities
and differences between the above topics and trade unions .
In small or large groups, have students chart the events leading up to the General Strike.
Students may also use a variety of graphic organizers to collect information and
highlight areas of interest. Encourage students to give reasons and personal opinion as
to why events played out as interpreted from history. Have students share their
information.
Areas of interest may lead to further study surrounding possible topics such as:
The Canadian economy – employers and employee relations in the past –
(looking at the monopoly of the Fur Trade, competing companies, working
conditions, wages, etc.)
The effect of unions on Canadian society
Labour around the world
The impact on Winnipeg’s economy and standard of living if a second “general”
strike should happen
Are strikes necessary, or are there other options? Solutions?
Suggestions for Assessment
Students will demonstrate their understanding through:
meeting rubric criteria
presentations
group projects
oral discussions
written assignments, etc.
Extension Activities
field trip to Winnipeg’s Union Centre
guest speaker on unions
field trip to large industry in Winnipeg
inquiry into arbitration, collective bargaining, etc.
interviews with people who experienced life in Winnipeg before and after the
strike