The calling of strikes and the role of trade unions had long been a largely taboo subject in 19th-century European literature. In France, Emile Zola broke this taboo by writing about a miners\' strike in Germinal (1885). This novel was a great success and was also adapted for the stage.

In the second half of the 19th century, trade unions, philanthropists and doctors denounced the perils of long working hours for women and children in Europe. Legislation was gradually put in place.

If they went on for a long time, strikes became difficult for those no longer receiving any pay. Systems of solidarity such as strike funds were set up, paid into by the strikers themselves and by external supporters.

Workers were barely protected from the hazards of everyday life in the 19th century. They had to rely on their families in old age or if they fell ill. In Europe, workers began to organise, creating mutual assistance societies and demanding that the state and employers consider welfare provisions such as health insurance and pensions. Pensions became a key electoral issue.

In Europe, women soon began participating in strikes. Owners sometimes tried to break strikes by replacing strikers with non-strikers, which could lead to confrontations.

In Europe, women soon began participating in strikes. Owners sometimes attempted to break strikes using the army, which could lead to violent confrontations.

Education became mandatory in European countries in the late 19th century. From that time, children were not allowed to work before a certain age and unless they were literate.

Many strikes broke out after World War I, including in traditionally unaffected sectors, to protest against inadequate pay.

Trade unions most commonly had a political affiliation. This trade union is supporting socialism and antimilitarism.

In Europe, trade unions also became popular in the countryside.

In the late 19th century, despite different political affiliations, trade unions from the same place would often get together to make it easier to provide local support to their members. Such support included labour exchanges and libraries.