History of Socialism in the United States
Socialism has always included anarchists, communists, democratic socialists (committed to a systemic economic transformation from capitalism to socialism), social democrats (committed to reforming/humanizing capitalism via a welfare state framework) and utopian socialists (visions for futuristic ideal societies based mostly on positive ideals).This way of thinking was first seen in utopian societies of early 1800s and among Shakers and other intentional communities.These thinkers were inspired by activist visionaries Josiah Warren and Charles Fourier.
The Social Labor Party was created in 1877 and led to the Socialist Party of America founded 1901. The Labor Party was built by immigrants – usually British, German and Jewish.
Socialists were involved in early labor organizing and struggles such as the Hay Market affair in Chicago. This was the aftermath of a bombing at labor demonstration in 1886. This event is generally considered a driving force behind the creation of International Workers Day (May 1 annually) Labor Day and the push to mandate 8 hour working days.
Socialist Party of America Presidential candidate Eugene V. Debs led socialist opposition to WWI which was followed by the first “Red Scare.” This resulted in some decline in the socialist movement. Then in the 1930s, the Communist Party USA was very involved in labor and racial struggles. A coalition of unions and socialists and communists put pressure on the US government after the Great Depression. In creating the New Deal, Franklin Delano Roosevelt saw himself as saving capitalism; that without socialist measures for the poor/working class our economy might be doomed. A true irony there.
The second “Red Scare” unfolded in the late 1940s through the 1950s with the rise of McCarthyism. This was based on making unfounded accusations of subversion and treason especially towards those who believed in communism and socialism. It resulted in what was probably a primary goal – many Americans became afraid of anything and anyone related to either philosophy. McCarthyism truly weakened both movements deeply for a long time. The main targets were high profile entertainers, academics, left wing politicians and labor organizers.
Socialism was strengthened by the rise of the New Left in the 1960s. Socialists were deeply involved in the civil rights movement. Michael Harrington – a key socialist activist of the time - was tapped to advise the Kennedy Administration. Socialist Party Presidential candidate Eugene Debs won 1 million votes in the 1920 election while Democratic Socialist Bernie Sanders won 134 million votes in the 2016 Democratic presidential primary – running as a Democrat.
Elements of Democratic Socialism exist today in the U.S. This includes utilities (roads, public sewer and water), health care (Veteran’s Administration, Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP), banking and finance (credit unions, North Dakota State Bank), public services (public libraries, fire protection), public welfare (Social Security, Public Housing), consumer products (electric and food co-operatives), land ownership (land trusts), and other businesses. In the U.S. there are at least 445 worker co-operatives and democratic workplaces. All have some elements of Democratic Socialism.
The Social Labor Party was created in 1877 and led to the Socialist Party of America founded 1901. The Labor Party was built by immigrants – usually British, German and Jewish.
Socialists were involved in early labor organizing and struggles such as the Hay Market affair in Chicago. This was the aftermath of a bombing at labor demonstration in 1886. This event is generally considered a driving force behind the creation of International Workers Day (May 1 annually) Labor Day and the push to mandate 8 hour working days.
Socialist Party of America Presidential candidate Eugene V. Debs led socialist opposition to WWI which was followed by the first “Red Scare.” This resulted in some decline in the socialist movement. Then in the 1930s, the Communist Party USA was very involved in labor and racial struggles. A coalition of unions and socialists and communists put pressure on the US government after the Great Depression. In creating the New Deal, Franklin Delano Roosevelt saw himself as saving capitalism; that without socialist measures for the poor/working class our economy might be doomed. A true irony there.
The second “Red Scare” unfolded in the late 1940s through the 1950s with the rise of McCarthyism. This was based on making unfounded accusations of subversion and treason especially towards those who believed in communism and socialism. It resulted in what was probably a primary goal – many Americans became afraid of anything and anyone related to either philosophy. McCarthyism truly weakened both movements deeply for a long time. The main targets were high profile entertainers, academics, left wing politicians and labor organizers.
Socialism was strengthened by the rise of the New Left in the 1960s. Socialists were deeply involved in the civil rights movement. Michael Harrington – a key socialist activist of the time - was tapped to advise the Kennedy Administration. Socialist Party Presidential candidate Eugene Debs won 1 million votes in the 1920 election while Democratic Socialist Bernie Sanders won 134 million votes in the 2016 Democratic presidential primary – running as a Democrat.
Elements of Democratic Socialism exist today in the U.S. This includes utilities (roads, public sewer and water), health care (Veteran’s Administration, Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP), banking and finance (credit unions, North Dakota State Bank), public services (public libraries, fire protection), public welfare (Social Security, Public Housing), consumer products (electric and food co-operatives), land ownership (land trusts), and other businesses. In the U.S. there are at least 445 worker co-operatives and democratic workplaces. All have some elements of Democratic Socialism.