lems of the movement. The May 30 movement had raised the level of the entire working class. Previously the politcal side of the trade unions had not been firm; now the trade unions were deep in the political struggle and were leading it. Active and permanent contact had been established with the International labor movement. The Chinese labor movement had become mature.
Militarist agents of imperialism still tried to crush the rising trade union movement, especially at Tientsin, Tsing-tao, Shanghai and Mukden. But steady and rapid progress continued, and continues up to today. The masses of all China had been won to the trade unions and for the Revolution.
The Northern Expedition of the Revolutionary Armies was prepared by the great national strike movement following May 30th. This was the basis of the military victories, which resulted in the occupation of the Yangtse Valley, the capture of Nanking and Shanghai, and the drive on Peking. When, for example, the Southern Armies entered Shanghai, they found the city already policed by the Workers' Guards, and an administration jointly established by the trade unions, commercial associations, and students unions, already functioning.
This as a general and very brief review of the history of the Chinese labor movement up to the spring of 1927. Results which in Europe or America would have taken decades to accomplish, have in China taken but a few years. Because even the smallest demands could not be realized without revolutionary struggle, therefore the trade unions have rapidly advanced through the whole scale, from the most elementary economic demands right up to participation in Government and management.
14. Textile Workers of the Wuhan Cities
On April 11th, we visited the Textile Workers' Union, held a meeting with their delegates' council, and visited two of the largest cotton mills in Wuhan. It was one of the most interesting days we have had in China. Crossing the river from Hankow in a steam launch, we were met
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