Cable Street: When workers united and fought the fascist threat at Cable Street

This month marks the 80th anniversary of what has gone down in history as the Battle of Cable Street. On 4 October 1936 thousands of workers across the East End of London rose up to prevent a march through their areas by the uniformed thugs of Oswald Mosley's fascists.

Grunwick strike 40 years on - lessons of an epic battle

This month marks the 40th anniversary of the start of the two-year strike for union recognition and reinstatement at Grunwick's film processing factory in North London - which became a struggle of national importance.

Barcelona 1936: the people's Olympics

For a brief moment 80 years ago, in a hint of what Spain as a whole would become, Barcelona became the focus of opposition to fascism. In July 1936, 6,000 athletes arrived in the city, greeted by banners and bunting welcoming them. They were no ordinary athletes; the socialist hurdlers and the anarchist shot putters were there for the Olimpiada Popular, the People's Olympiad.

China's 'Cultural Revolution' 1966-67

50 years ago the 'Cultural Revolution' began in China. Here we carry an edited version of article written by Socialist Party general secretary Peter Taaffe for Militant (predecessor of the Socialist) in February 1967.

France 1936: sit-in strikes

Workers across France are stepping up their action against the country's new labour law, with strikes in various sectors and big demonstrations. The French working class has a long history of struggle, including widespread sit-in strikes in May-June 1936. To celebrate the 80th anniversary of this movement, and to learn its lessons, here we carry an extract from an article written by Socialist Party general secretary Peter Taaffe and published in Militant (predecessor of the Socialist) in 1978.

1926 general strike: when workers tasted power

The 1926 general strike - whose 90th anniversary we celebrate this month - was, alongside the movement of the Chartists in the 19th century, the most important event in the history of the British working class.

Ireland: 100 years since the 1916 Easter rising

For many working class people in Ireland this rising against British rule is regarded as a key defining event in Irish history

Chernobyl nuclear disaster - 30 years on

On 26 April 1986, an explosion destroyed the nuclear power station in Chernobyl. This explosion, the worst 'nuclear incident' in history, set back confidence in 'clean' nuclear energy for a generation.

Five years ago: 750,000 march against cuts

Five years ago, on 26 March 2011, the biggest trade union protest in British history took place. The TUC-organised demonstration was the first major show of opposition to the then Con-Dem government.

BSE crisis - the madness of the profit system

Twenty years ago: The UK's biggest health scandal in living memory was the BSE epidemic known as "mad cow disease".

Khrushchev: the Stalinist who denounced Stalin

60 years ago, at the 20th conference of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union on 25 February 1956, first secretary Nikita Khrushchev denounced the dictatorial crimes of Joseph Stalin who had died in 1953.

1986 Wapping strike - Defeat of the print unions

Workers' struggle undermined by bankrupt union leadership: Although it was a battle fought a generation ago, its lessons are just as relevant for our movement today

How the Iron Lady was reduced to iron filings

Margaret Thatcher resigned as Tory prime minister 25 years ago. After 11 years in power she was forced out before her third term was over.

Lessons from the past: Liverpool City Council 1983-87

From 1983 to 1987 Liverpool was led by supporters of Militant (predecessor of the Socialist), who at the time were members of the Labour Party. When faced with cuts from central government, they refused to pass them on.

1985: police murder sparks Brixton riot

30 years ago, the police shot blameless mother Cherry Groce. We look back on the murder and ensuing riots.

Zimmerwald Conference 1915: lessons for the socialist movement

100 years ago, during the carnage of World War One, a small number of socialist delegates assembled at an anti-war conference in Zimmerwald, Switzerland.

Gulf War 'unfinished business' remains today

25 years since invasion of Kuwait: 25 years ago, Saddam Hussein's Iraq invaded neighbouring Kuwait. Western powers responded with a build-up of forces that led to the Gulf War the next year.

Pat Wall - a lifetime fighting for socialism

25 years ago today, Pat Wall - a giant of the workers' movement - passed away. Here we republish an obituary from the Militant newspaper

2005: Jean Charles de Menezes shooting

On 22 July 2005 an innocent man was brutally shot to death by police at Stockwell tube station in south London. Ten years later and his family, and the Socialist Party, are still fighting for justice.

Ten years since the London 7/7 bombings

7/7, in 2005: In rush hour traffic, suicide bombers attacked London tube trains and a bus. Now, the Tories will try to use the memory to justify proposed anti-democratic legislation