Anarchy in the Streets: How Arthur Meighen Defeated the 1919 Winnipeg Strike
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, [...]
In the summer of 1919, Winnipeg experienced a period of “tragic anarchy” when labor activists declared a General Strike on May 15, bringing the city to a standstill. The strike leaders, influenced by the Bolshevik Revolution and socialist ideals, took control of essential services and public order. Police operated only with the Strike Committee’s permission, and mobs formed, highlighting the breakdown of civic order.
- Winnipeg was plunged into “tragic anarchy” during the summer of 1919.
- A General Strike was declared on May 15, halting city operations.
- Strike leaders were inspired by the Bolshevik Revolution and socialist ideologies.
- Essential services like transit, postal, utilities, and deliveries required union permission.
- Public order deteriorated, with police operating under the Strike Committee’s authority and large mobs appearing.
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