Commentary
Winnipeg in the summer of 1919 was a scene of tragic anarchy. On May 15, labour activists declared a General Strike and took over the city, bringing it to a standstill. Workers had genuine grievances, but the strike leaders got carried away. In a nutshell, they were inspired by the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia, socialism, and “class war,” and militants demagogued the workers with little regard for the consequences.
Public transit, the postal system (an essential service in the pre-internet era), utilities, and even milk and bread delivery could operate only with union bosses’ permission. Even theatres were told they required a strike “certificate” to open. Huge mobs formed in defiance of public order. City police went on duty “by permission of the Strike Committee” and then tried to join the strike. What had created this calamity?…