The unionization of unskilled and semi-skilled workers and the appearance of large general unions in the 1890s ushered in a new era of industrial relations. Gone were the days of the comparatively civilized negotiations of the craft unions. Now the rank and file in the new unions often pushed their more cautious leaders into industrial action. For a while the militancy of the unions was contained when various court cases, culminating in the Taff Vale decision, revealed their anomalous position in the eyes of the law, but this was resolved by the passing of the Trade Union Disputes Act of 1906.

Askwith was propelled into a central position in the government's response to the rapidly changing and increasingly menacing situation. In addition to his training and experience as a successful barrister, he brought some unique skills. They are best described by his friend and colleague towards the end of the war, Sir James Baillie, when, as Vice Chancellor of Leeds University, Baillie bestowed an honorary degree on him: