Hearts of Iron 4

The general strike is a most fundamental method of revolutionizing industry. The present leaders of the unions and their masses are not adapted to oppose it with any strength.

They slander the idea with the same idiotic phrases as big-bellied bourgeoisie have always used, and in doing so prove their own ignorance.

Solidarity

Solidarity is an idea that unites the different parts of society in one community. It is the principle that everyone should give up their own personal interests in order to benefit the community as a whole. This idea is central to the philosophy of communism.

During the general strike, the organisers called for a united front to confront the government, and many workers pledged to support the striking miners. This solidarity was a key strength of the movement, and helped to bring about its success.

Despite its widespread popularity, the concept of solidarity faces some criticisms. Some people argue that solidarity stymies diversity and pluralism. Others say that it promotes false beliefs and self-conceptions among participants (Shelby forthcoming). These concerns are important to consider, but they must be weighed against the idea that solidarity has non-instrumental value of an intrinsic kind. Moreover, there are ways to defend solidarity against these concerns. For example, some scholars have suggested that unlike friendship or love relationships, solidarity obligations are grounded not in the value of the relationship but in a relationship-independent value of the duties themselves.

Comradeship

Comradeship is a quality of friendship, closeness and solidarity which binds people together in times of distress. It has been the distinguishing feature of Australians during wartime, and has left its mark on the fabric of our nation. The war memorial’s stained-glass windows reflect some of these stories of comradeship. Corporal Leslie “Peter” Chitty BEM offered a distraction on the sporting field; Lorrae Desmond MBE offered comfort and encouragement through music and laughter; and Trooper David “Poppy” Pearce helped countless men to find a way to cope with their loneliness.

This general strike has brought the working class face to face with the political issue of power; it has revealed the complete impotence of the old trade union tradition, parliamentarism and pacifism. It has also shown that it is a vital iron necessity to the working class that it should have a revolutionary mass political party to lead its struggle. It is to this end that the workers must devote themselves to the preparation of the next fight.

Symbolism

Symbolism is an important part of literature and can be used to add emotional weight or evocative imagery. It can also help authors convey themes that might be too controversial or sensitive to state openly. It can even imply change or growth in characters through symbolic shifts in their interaction with certain objects, or ways in which those symbols evolve over time.

Literary scholars sometimes use the term symbolism to describe a style of writing that emphasizes evocative imagery and allusions. However, it’s important to remember that symbolism is not merely a style of writing; it’s an art form. You can find symbols in every type of art, including painting, film and TV, music, sculpture, and literature.

Symbols can also have more than one meaning, like the iconic Rosie the Riveter. This powerful symbol has been reframed in different contexts to stand for initiative and empowerment, from WWII employment posters to Covid-19 pandemic awareness. Its power lies in its ubiquity and recognizability, rather than its specific visual details.

Meaning

The general strike has taught the English working class a lesson which they must learn. It is the lesson that they need a revolutionary political party, which should be the mass organisation of the trade unions, to lead them in their struggle against the capitalists.

The old sectional trade union fighting, no matter how brilliantly carried out in particular industries, can no longer stop the capitalist degradation of working-class conditions or win any important advance for the whole working class. A more fundamental class battle is necessary and this requires a greater degree of courage, confidence and class-will.

The collapse of the general strike, with its utter disintegration of fronts and the break-up of the leadership, demonstrates that the leaders have not yet reached this higher stage of consciousness. But the masses have entered the full highway of a struggle and shown a power, courage and class-will which assures them of future revolutionary victory. This struggle must be fought most mercilessly.

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