The development of the F.P.U. in Newfoundland - (1908-1923)

Feltham, John (1959) The development of the F.P.U. in Newfoundland - (1908-1923). Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

It is essential for the reader to bear in mind that the F.P.U was not only a union, but from its beginning adopted an important role in commerce and politics. It had also functioned as a municipal council in the many settlements throughout the east and north-east coasts, and had many of the characteristics of a fraternal society. -- This monograph is an attempt to trace the growth of the F.P.U. in each branch of its development, with particular emphasis on the factors which made such a movement possible and explanations for its ultimate failure. However, before attacking the primary problem, the writer has devoted considerable effort to the background history of the pre-union period in an attempt to make clear to the reader the conditions which existed in Newfoundland before the movement began. -- The major problem can be clearly divided into several minor ones. Of primary importance is a study of the inception and development of the union itself, with special reference to why it failed to expand beyond the east and north-east coasts, and to the aims of the union as initially planned by the founder. -- In the field of politics each of the following topics has been considered: the original political aims of the F. P. U., its role in politics before the formation of the Union Party, the “Bonavista Platform”, the decision to coalesce with the Liberal Party in 1913, the election of 1913, the record of the Union Party in the House of Assembly before 1917, the National Government (1917-1919), the second Liberal-Union coalition, and the role of the union candidates while part of the Government. -- Detailed study has been given to each of the commercial endeavours of the F.P.U. and considerable effort devoted to the effects this activity has on the movement itself and on the country generally. In this respect particular attention has been given to the change that took place in this commercial policy from 1903 to the 1920’s. -- The writer has also tried to create a verbal picture of W. F. Coaker. Included is a chronological biography and also a detailed character analysis. Particular emphasis has been given to the noticeable changes which took place in his character from the year he founded the F. P. U., (1908), to his retirement in 1932. -- Finally, in the conclusion an attempt has been made to show how the F.P.U. compared with similar development in other parts of the world at the same time, and how it has left a mark on the life of the country that in many respects is still apparent today.

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