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First published in 1952, this work has taken its place as the standard history of the Socialist Party to 1912. The American Socialist Party, at the height of its power, had more than a hundred and fifty thousand members, published hundreds of newspapers, won almost a million votes for its presidential candidate, elected more than one thousand of its members to political office, secured passage of a considerable body of legislation, won the support of one-third of the American Federation of Labor, and was instrumental in organizing the Industrial Workers of the World. It counted in its ranks some of the most talented organizers, able thinkers, and colorful personalities of their generation, conducted an immense propaganda effort, and, for a time, multiplied its support and influence at an astounding pace. The rise and decline of the Socialist Party constitutes a most important and instructive chapter in American history. Few books have more to offer to the student of the movement than this one.
Meyer London (1871-1926), a Russian Jewish immigrant, settled in New York's Lower East Side in 1891. He became a lawyer, labor activist, founding member of the Socialist Party of America, and a three term Congressman who advocated peaceful methods and refused to take rigid doctrinal positions. Elected to Congress in 1914 as the lone Socialist, he demonstrated political skill and courage. London urged unemployment, health and old age insurance, and fought attempts to restrict immigration. At the outbreak of World War I, he urged strict neutrality, but once the U.S. intervened, London supported the war. In 1918, a fusion candidate defeated London, questioning his "Americanism." He returned to Congress in 1920, where in the face of the pro-business Harding Administration he continued to fight for economic and social justice. His untimely death in 1926 caused shock waves among his fellow Lower East Siders for whom the beloved London had become a folk hero. This detailed political biography closely follows London's career, the opposition he faced in politics, and the principled if controversial stands he maintained throughout his life.