Working-Class Movements and Industrial Realism

Working-Class Political Movements

Differences between the proletariat and the bourgeoisie.

Industrial Working Conditions

• Dangerous and unhealthy environments:
  • Unprotected machinery leading to accidents and injuries.
  • 14-16 hour workdays, low wages, and child labor.
  • Prohibition of protests and strikes.
  • Lack of social insurance, benefits, illness coverage, or unemployment support.
  • Employers could dismiss or fine workers without restriction.

The Origins of Working-Class Politics

Poor working conditions led to protests against factory owners, who viewed such actions as detrimental to business profits. The government generally did not support workers.

• 1811, Luddites: An early manifestation of organized protest. Hostile to technology, believing machinery displaced workers, leading them to destroy factory equipment.
• 1830, First Trade Unions: Associations of workers in specific trades. They demanded improved conditions, better wages, and provided mutual support for members in cases of accident or illness.
• 1838, Chartist Movement: Demanded political changes, specifically universal manhood suffrage, alongside better working conditions.

Left-Wing Ideologies

These movements challenged capitalism and class-based society.

Marxism (Socialism)

Key figures: Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels

• Class Struggle: The belief that the proletariat would organize and fight against the bourgeoisie.
• Dictatorship of the Proletariat: The proletariat would seize political power to control the economy and redistribute wealth equally.
• Communism: A vision of a society where everyone is equal.

Anarchism

Key figure: Mikhail Bakunin

• Individual Freedom: The necessity to fight against any authority that limits personal freedom.
• Communes: Society should be organized into independent groups called communes, with decisions made by popular assemblies.
• Direct Action: People must defend their interests through their own actions rather than through political parties or elections.

Cast-Iron Architecture and Realism

Cast-Iron Architecture

The use of large quantities of cast iron made construction easier and cheaper.

Examples:

• Reading Room of the National Library, Paris
• Crystal Palace, Madrid

Realism

An artistic movement aiming to reflect the reality of working-class life.

• Representations of working-class people at home or at work.
• Depictions of harsh living and working conditions.

Examples:

• Sculpture: The Blacksmith
• Paintings: The Angelus, The Washerwoman, and in Spain, The Siesta.