Between convergence and exceptionalism: Americans and the British model of labor relations, c. 1867-1920

Harris, Howell John

doi:10.1080/00236560701224726

Between convergence and exceptionalism: Americans and the British model of labor relations, c. 1867-1920

Harris, Howell John

Authors

Howell John Harris

Abstract

Between the late 1860s and the aftermath of the First World War, American discourse about the 'labor problem' - relations among workers, unions, employers, and the state - was permeated by comparisons. Reformers looked especially toward Britain, the first industrial nation, for clues about how to build an industrial relations system. This article explores how three generations of American employers reflected on what Britain's experience with relatively strong, recognized, legally secure unions could teach about how to handle the challenge of American labor. Their interest was serious, sustained, if discontinuous. It was most important at key moments of decision in the early 1900s and in 1918-19 when the Open Shop was first built, and then refurbished and defended. Examination of their understanding and representations of the British model of labor relations aids our appreciation of the ideological framework within which they conceived and constructed the American Way.

Citation

Harris, H. J. (2007). Between convergence and exceptionalism: Americans and the British model of labor relations, c. 1867-1920. Labor History, 48(2), 141-173. https://doi.org/10.1080/00236560701224726

Journal Article Type	Article
Publication Date	May 1, 2007
Deposit Date	Nov 4, 2008
Publicly Available Date	Nov 4, 2008
Journal	Labor History
Print ISSN	0023-656X
Electronic ISSN	1469-9702
Publisher	Taylor and Francis Group
Peer Reviewed	Peer Reviewed
Volume	48
Issue	2
Pages	141-173
DOI	https://doi.org/10.1080/00236560701224726