Under the theme With or without the law – reform or revolution, you can read more about the living conditions of industrial workers in Denmark in the 1870s. In 1871, living conditions for the few industrial workers in Denmark were appalling. But when the workers want to unite in the International Workers’ Union of Denmark to improve conditions, those in power strike back with a heavy hand. The first leader, Louis Pio, was imprisoned and later paid to emigrate to America.
The long haul is about the fight for an 8-hour workday. In the late 1800s, the working day was 11-12 hours, and wages were quite low. Unions were unknown to most people, and union activists were often fired. But slowly the unions grew bigger. Women, farm workers, and servants gained rights. And the trade union movement developed into one of the strongest organisations in Denmark.
The long haul is about labour struggles throughout history. In 1998, a major conflict broke out for the first time in 13 years. One half of the population hoards milk and gasoline, the other half looks on in amazement. 100 years earlier, in 1899, the population witnessed the first nationwide labour dispute. After 4 months, a settlement is reached. Now there must be orderly conditions in the labour market. But it’s not that simple.
The dream was for workers to create their own companies. The cooperative companies were to be the “cord’s third string” – an equal partner with the trade union movement and the party. The cooperative would provide workers with better, cheaper goods, teach them to manage production themselves and be a weapon in labour struggles. You can read more about this in the theme The cord’s 3rd string.
From backyard to concrete is about the housing movement. “A basement home consists of a room to which is attached a pantry without light or air access. In this apartment, which is damp and raw to the highest degree, live a husband, wife and 5 children.” This is an excerpt from a report from the health police in Aarhus during World War I. Poor conditions and housing shortages were the direct reason people began to join together in housing associations. Read more about it in the theme.
A little work doesn’t hurt is about the theme Child labor and the first factory law. Schools, doctors, trade unions, employers, and parents have argued about whether child labour was necessary, edifying or harmful to health. From the first factory law in 1873, prohibiting children under the age of 10 from working in factories, to today’s discussions about the age of newspaper deliverymen. And the children themselves have intervened as well.
The theme Light over Land is about working-class culture through time. Around 1900, the bourgeoisie looked down on workers. But workers wouldn’t put up with being looked down on just because they have worse living conditions than others. Workers want to be recognised as equal citizens. That’s why the labour movement began to set up reading societies, establish colleges, form educational associations, publishing houses, and much more.
Over the last 30 years, the number of cars in Denmark has grown by more than 100%, half of all households have a computer, and alcohol consumption has doubled. Denmark is a rich country. But the tax burden is high, and almost a million people are on transfer income. The creation of the welfare society began in the 1920s. Read more about this in the theme Do your duty.
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