Home
» IWW Documents - Culture, History, And Library

IWW Documents - Culture, History, and Library

Here you will find the most comprehensive (and ever expanding) collection of current and historical articles by and about the Industrial Workers of the World, including answers to frequently asked questions, all of our official literature, a bibliography of books for further study, critical studies of the IWW, and biographies of many past members of the IWW.

"Yaas," said the farmer reflectively, "all the I.W.W. fellers I've met seemed to be pretty decent lads, but them 'alleged I.W.W.'s' must be holy frights."

--From page 19 of the IWW Songbook, 15th edition, (1919)
 
Subjects 

Official IWW Literature - literature, written by or about the IWW, that has been approved by the IWW's General Executive Board, including:
  • What is the origin of the term "Wobbly"?
  • "Industrial" versus "International" Workers.
  • Frequently Asked Questions.
  • Official Membership Documents.
  • Official Literature.
IWW Chronology - A detailed history of the IWW, from its foundations in 1905 through the present day.

Many historical accounts of the IWW suggest that the organization ceased to exist in 1917, 1921, or 1924. This is not the case.

Find out how the IWW has been active continuously since its alleged "demise", in strikes during the Great Depression of the 1930s to the IU 440 shops in the 1950s, through the antiwar and progressive movements of the present day.
IWW Library - books by IWW members and a reference guide for further information about the Industrial Workers of the World, including:
  • Books with General Information about the IWW.
  • Minutes of the IWW's Founding Convention.
  • Autobiographical and Biographical books.
  • Miscellaneous works about the IWW.
  • Writings by IWW members.

(This is the best place to start for those seeking further information about the IWW).
IWW Biography - A collection of biographical information about Famous (and not-so-famous) Wobblies, including:
  • Obituaries for Recently Deceased IWW Members.
  • Portraits of (some) Famous IWW Members, and ...
  • Links to Biographical Sites of Deceased IWW Members.

(The portrait featured here is of Joe Hill, perhaps the most famous IWW martyr of them all).

Myths and Legends about the IWW - The IWW has a long and colorful history. Inevitably people misunderstand, misinterpret, or mangle it. Here we shatter the illusions.

  • Myths about the IWW and the Labor Movement
  • Historical Myths about the IWW
  • Myths about and Anarchism
  • Myths about the IWW and Communism

The IWW's Position on War and Militarism:

The IWW has always opposed militarism. We condemn all wars, and for the prevention of such, we proclaim the anti-militaristic propaganda in time of peace, thus promoting class solidarity among the workers of the entire world, and, in time of war, the general strike, in all industries. Includes:

  • Resolutions against War
  • Labourstart Antiwar Labor News Feed
  • Links to Antiwar Sites
Other IWW Articles - Articles written by IWW members and articles written about the IWW, including:
  • Recent Publications by the IWW.
  • Critical Studies on the IWW.
  • Historical Writings by IWW Members.
  • Articles from the One Big Union Monthly and Industrial Pioneer, and...
  • Much more!

IWW Member Jim Crutchfield has digitized several old IWW Documents. Visit his - Workers' Education Page.

Still cannot find the information you seek?  Contact the Walter P. Reuther Library at Wayne State University.  There you will find the IWW Archives.

Contact William Lefevre

  • E-mail - William.LeFevre@wayne.edu
  • Phone - (313) 577-2789.

The address and phone number for the library itself is:

  • Mail - Walter P. Reuther Library, Wayne State University, 5401 Cass Ave, Detroit, MI 48202   
  • Phone - (313) 577-4024

 

All About the IWW ›