This term we focus on the timely subject of imperialism and anti-imperialism. Our starting point will be the trial in Meerut, India, of thirty-four trade union leaders in March 1929. The trial revealed the existence of an extensive Communist anti-imperialist labour network within British India, which was connected to Communist groups across Europe. The Trial became a significant point of domestic agitation among British Communists, who organised a defence fund and used the Trial as part of their Third Period attack on the social democrats of the British Labour Party, then in government. We will explore the nature of this specific network and anti-imperialist networks more generally.

Lunch will be provided.