The Amsterdam International

This book charts the turbulent history of the International Federation of Trade Unions (IFTU) from its foundation in 1913, to its dissolution in 1945. Established to protect and advance the interests of workers of all countries and to further international solidarity, the IFTU from the outset was beset by difficulties. Within a year the First World War split the fledgling organisation, underlining national interests and creating resentment between some of the most powerful union interests. Although these differences were patched up after the end of hostilities, the Revolution in Russia and rise of Soviet Communism, with own aspirations to leadership of international labour, soon created new tensions within the IFTU.

Geert Van Goethem Archive and Museum of the Belgian Labour Movement, Belgium

Contents: Introduction; The world of the International Federation of Trade Unions; The discordant clamour for international unity; Subordinate or partner?; Geneva; 'Seeking problems'; Isolationism or leadership; A free labour movement in a world without freedom; Beyond the International Federation of Trade Unions; Under cover; Conclusions; Appendices; Acronyms; Bibliography; Index.