The prime ministership of J.B. Chifley from 1945 to 1949 covered one of the most turbulent periods in the history of Australian industrial relations. Popularly believed to be the work of agitators sent by Moscow, the labor unrest during this period was actually due to other, more domestic factors. Here, Sheridan presents an authoritative account of the events and people of this era. He challenges long-held beliefs and provides new insights into this watershed period in Australian politics and industrial relations.