Eugene V. Debs: Lessons from His Life and Struggle
In the face of a deepening capitalist crisis, self-styled “democratic socialists” are again finding success in the electoral arena. More Americans than at any point in recent history are beginning to question the existence of capitalism itself. Amidst a surging interest in the ideas of socialism and communism, we are confronted with an urgent question: What is the way forward for building a powerful socialist movement in the United States today?
The American labor movement of the early 20th century provides an invaluable wealth of experience for communists today. The image of Eugene V. Debs, trade union leader and founding member of the Socialist Party of America and the IWW, looms large over this whole period.
This talk will dive into the legacy of the “Old Man of American Labor,” a revolutionary and tireless fighter for the emancipation of the American working class, drawing out the lessons for the struggles ahead for working-class fighters today.
This discussion will be introduced by Alex O, a leading member of the RCA in Chicago.
Reading list:
Articles
- The Fight for a Mass Workers’ Party in the US – Tom Trottier
- E. V. Debs – James P. Cannon
- The American Labor Party – Eugene V. Debs
Books
- The Bending Cross: A Biography of Eugene V. Debs – Ray Ginger
- Marxism and the USA, Chapter 5: Labor and Capital – Alan Woods
