The I. W. W.: A Study of American Syndicalism

A historical account written in the early 20th century. This work investigates the rise and impact of the Industrial Workers of the World (I.W.W.), exploring its revolutionary ideas and its evolution within the broader labor movement in the United States. The book examines how the I.W.W. has been viewed historically, the misconceptions surrounding it, and its implications on the labor landscape, particularly in relation to socialism and industrial democracy. The opening of the book sets the stage for a detailed examination of the I.W.W. by discussing the social and political context in which it emerged. Brissenden highlights the early activism of radical labor movements and the failures of existing unions to effectively represent workers' interests. He provides insight into the perception of the I.W.W as a force for societal change, while also addressing the controversies and internal conflicts that have shaped its identity. Emphasizing a shift from parliamentary to industrial socialism, the author underscores the importance of understanding the I.W.W.'s place in American labor history and its struggles against capitalist structures.