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Keir Hardie speaking in Trafalgar Square, London, WW1
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Keir Hardie speaking in Trafalgar Square, London, WW1
James Keir Hardie (1856-1915), Scottish socialist politician and Labour leader, speaking to a crowd of people in Trafalgar Square, London, on the outbreak of the First World War. Date: August 1914
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Media ID 14127976
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Boater Hardie Keir Labour Lion Outbreak Platform Pointing Socialism Socialist Speaking Straw Trafalgar
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures the moment when Scottish socialist politician and Labour Party founder, James Keir Hardie (1856-1915), addressed a large crowd in London's Trafalgar Square on the outbreak of the First World War in August 1914. Dressed in a summer suit and wearing a boater hat, Hardie stands confidently on the makeshift platform, gesturing emphatically towards the throng of people gathered before him. The iconic lion statue of Trafalgar Square looms in the background, adding a sense of historical significance to the scene. Hardie, a prominent figure in the British labour movement, was a vocal opponent of the war and had campaigned against it in the House of Commons. However, as the tide of public opinion turned in favor of military action following the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary, Hardie felt compelled to address the crowds and express his concerns. The photograph captures a pivotal moment in British history, as the country prepared to embark on a war that would change the course of the 20th century. The image is a poignant reminder of the complexities of the period, as the ideals of socialism and international solidarity were put to the test in the face of nationalism and conflict. The people in the crowd, many of whom are dressed in their Sunday best, listen intently to Hardie's words, their faces a mix of determination, anxiety, and uncertainty. The photograph offers a glimpse into the past, inviting us to reflect on the profound impact of war on individuals and societies, and the enduring power of political oratory.
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