This volume provides an insightful survey of the various forms of associations that developed in Great Britain in the 19th and early 20th centuries, including gilds, friendly societies, cooperative movements, and trade unions. Drawing on historical records and primary sources, the author illustrates the vital role played by these organizations in promoting the welfare of working-class communities and advancing social justice. This book is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the history of labor movements and the evolution of civil society. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.