An introduction to early Danish trade unionism 1870-1940. Before the Second World War Danish workers were among the best organized in Europe. It is the high level of unionisation which makes Danish trade unionism 1870-1940 an interesting case, in particular the high level of unionisation of unskilled workers, male and female, in a trade union movement based on the craft-principle. In this book key issues of Danish trade unions before 1940 have been examined in order to understand and explain this particular case of successful trade unionism in Europe before 1940. In eight chapters the book examines the organisational structures of Danish trade unions, Scandinavian and international cooperation, the dominance of skill, agitation and ideology of trade unionism, the impact of strikes and industrial conflicts, trade unions and politics, women’s work and identities and the work and organisation of unskilled workers -- thereby seeking to explain the success of Danish trade unionism before 1940.