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The Wobblies of the World: A History of the International Workers of the World

Paulo Coelho

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Published in Wobblies Of The World: A Global History Of The IWW (Wildcat)

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The International Workers of the World (IWW),also known as the Wobblies, was a radical labor union that was founded in 1905. The Wobblies were dedicated to organizing workers of all races, genders, and nationalities into a single, united front against capitalism. They believed that the working class had the power to overthrow capitalism and create a new, more just society.

Wobblies of the World: A Global History of the IWW (Wildcat)

by Peter Cole

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5718 KB
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Print length	:	322 pages

The Wobblies were active in a wide range of industries, including mining, logging, construction, and manufacturing. They were also involved in a number of social and political movements, including the fight for free speech, the right to organize, and the end of racial discrimination.

The Wobblies were often met with violence and repression from employers and the government. They were also criticized by more conservative labor unions, who accused them of being too radical. However, the Wobblies never wavered in their commitment to fighting for the rights of workers.

The Wobblies played a significant role in the American labor movement. They helped to organize some of the most important strikes in American history, including the Lawrence textile strike of 1912 and the Mesabi Range strike of 1916. The Wobblies also helped to popularize the idea of industrial unionism, which is the organization of workers into unions based on their industry, rather than their craft.

The Wobblies' influence has waned in recent years, but they remain an important part of the American labor movement. The Wobblies' commitment to fighting for the rights of workers is an inspiration to all who believe in the power of the working class.

The Wobbly Philosophy

The Wobblies' philosophy was based on the idea that the working class had the power to overthrow capitalism and create a new, more just society. The Wobblies believed that the working class was the only class that could bring about this revolution, because they were the only class that had the power to stop production.

The Wobblies' philosophy was also based on the idea of solidarity. The Wobblies believed that all workers, regardless of their race, gender, or nationality, had a common interest in fighting against capitalism. The Wobblies also believed that workers should help each other in their struggles against employers and the government.

The Wobblies' philosophy was expressed in their motto, "An injury to one is an injury to all." This motto meant that the Wobblies believed that any attack on one worker was an attack on the entire working class. The Wobblies also believed that it was their duty to defend any worker who was being attacked by an employer or the government.

The Wobbly Tactics

The Wobblies used a variety of tactics to fight for the rights of workers. These tactics included strikes, boycotts, and sabotage. The Wobblies also used their free speech rights to organize workers and to spread their message. The Wobblies were often met with violence and repression from employers and the government, but they never wavered in their commitment to fighting for the rights of workers.

One of the most famous Wobbly tactics was the free speech fight. The Wobblies believed that the right to free speech was essential for the labor movement. They used their free speech rights to organize workers and to spread their message. However, the Wobblies were often met with violence from employers and the government. In 1914, the Wobblies organized a free speech fight in Spokane, Washington. The police attacked the Wobblies, and several people were killed. The Spokane free speech fight was a turning point in the Wobbly movement. It showed the Wobblies that they could not rely on the police to protect their rights. The Wobblies began to arm themselves and to defend themselves against attacks from employers and the government.

The Wobblies also used strikes and boycotts to fight for the rights of workers. The Lawrence textile strike of 1912 was one of the most important strikes in American history. The strike was led by the Wobblies, and it involved over 20,000 workers. The strike lasted for several months, and it ended with a victory for the workers. The Lawrence textile strike showed the power of the Wobbly movement. It also showed that the Wobblies were willing to fight for the rights of workers, no matter how difficult the struggle.

The Wobbly Legacy

The Wobblies' legacy is a mixed one. The Wobblies were never able to achieve their goal of overthrowing capitalism. However, they did make a significant contribution to the American labor movement. The Wobblies helped to organize some of the most important strikes in American history, and they helped to popularize the idea of industrial unionism. The Wobblies also helped to raise awareness of the plight of workers. The Wobblies' legacy is one of fighting for the rights of workers, no matter how difficult the struggle.

The Wobblies are still active today. They continue to fight for the rights of workers, and they continue to inspire people around the world.