The Rochdale Pioneers were a group of 28 working-class individuals who founded the first successful cooperative society in 1844 in Rochdale, England. They aimed to provide affordable, quality goods to their community while promoting fair trade practices. Their model emphasized democratic control, where each member had a vote, and profits were shared among members. The cooperative's success inspired the global cooperative movement, leading to the establishment of similar societies worldwide. The Rochdale Principles, which outlined the values and practices of cooperatives, continue to influence cooperative organizations today, promoting economic and social empowerment for communities.