Question

Which failed but influential co-operative community was called a “bold social experiment” and “sowed the seeds of cooperation”?

• A. Kiel
• B. New Lanark
• C. Brook Farm
• D. New Harmony

Answer 1

Answer:

D. New Harmony

ROBERT OWEN

Labor Colonies / Co-operative Colonies

• Introduced the idea of “Associationism” – communities based on cooperation and mutual benefit.

• Called these "Village Communities"

• Famous example: New Harmony (USA, 1826)

• Though New Harmony failed, it inspired the future cooperative movement

New Harmony

• New Harmony – The First Co-operative Colony (1826)

• Location: Indiana, USA

• Founder: Robert Owen

• In 1826, Robert Owen established a co-operative village called New Harmony in the United States.

• It was based on his belief in self-help through mutual help

Objectives of New Harmony

• To create a self-sufficient community where members produced and shared resources collectively.

• To eliminate middlemen and unnecessary profits.

• To abolish private profit, which Owen believed was the root of all social problems.

• To provide goods on credit at lower prices than the market.

• To build a new moral world based on equality, cooperation, and education.

Impact

• Though the colony eventually failed, it was a bold social experiment.

• It inspired future co-operative movements across the world.

• “These co-operative colonies sowed the seeds of cooperation, which later on sprouted and became a great movement.”