77
M. 705
The Co-operative Movement in Britain.
By Joseph Martin.
Early Beginnings.
In most countries and at various times co-operative schemes
have developed within communities or among groups of individuals,
but the democratic association which has become known as the co-
operative movements and is based on the ideal of mutual help has
its main roots in Great Britain.
In the 18th century co-operative shops already existed in
Britain, but they were benevolent rather than democratic concerns,
and it was not until the appearance of Robert Owen, towards the end
of the 18th century, that the ideal of co-operation was first put
into practice.
Owen was himself an employer of a large staff of workers at a
time when all the evils attendant on an over-rapid development of
the factory system were rampant. Owen pointed out that, even from
a purely commercial point of view, it would pay an employer to
treat his workers well, and he proceeded to demonstrate in his own
cotton factories that if all on were given a chance to develop in
decent surroundings, and if all worked for the common good, both
the individual and society would benefit vastly.
For nearly thirty years Robert Owen carried on this work, with
amazing results to the physical, mental and moral development of
his employees, and with equally good financial results. Deeply
impressed by his teaching, workers in other parts of the country
formed themselves into co-operative communities on the lines laid
down by Owen, hoping to turn the whole nation into a co-operative
commonwealth.
Although these communities were doomed to disappointment, the
ideals remained, and the movement continued in various forms,
finally developing into the co-operative societies as we know them
to-day, being primarily associations of consumers.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.