History

State of the Union: Marx and America’s Unfinished Revolution – Robin Blackburn

Submitted by Craftwork on Nov 25 2016 19:30

Robin Blackburn on the failure of post-Civil War attempts to extend egalitarian impulses across race lines and factory floors, amid the sharpening class struggles of the Gilded Age. From New Left Review #61, January-February 2010.

The origins of socialist thought in Japan - John Crump

Submitted by Craftwork on Nov 24 2016 21:52

Socialism first gained a major foothold in Japan after the revolution and the subsequent Meiji restoration of 1868. Against the background of the rapid development of capitalism in Japan after the revolution, and the accompanying emergence of the working class, this study shows how early Japanese socialists drew on both Western influences and elements from traditional Japanese culture. This book made an original contribution to the study of Japan in the 1980s, its unique perspective shines a bright light on debates still relevant today.

Hatta Shūzō and Pure Anarchism in Interwar Japan - John Crump

Submitted by Craftwork on Nov 23 2016 19:08

A pioneering study of Japanese 'pure anarchism' between the wars focused on its principal theoretician, Hatta Shuzo.

National Anarchism? – Alexander Schapiro

Submitted by Dannny on Nov 23 2016 18:39
Headline of Solidaridad Obrera, 26 May 1937

A 1937 article by Alexander Schapiro, criticising the nationalist rhetoric used in an editorial of Solidaridad Obrera.

The general strike of 1842

Submitted by Anonymous on Nov 17 2016 23:18
Illustration of a strike meeting

A detailed, full-length history of the UK Chartist general strike of 1842 against pay cuts and for universal male suffrage, by Mick Jenkins with an introduction by John Foster.

Anarchist organisation: the history of the FAI

Submitted by Anonymous on Nov 17 2016 23:13
CNT-FAI militants during the Spanish revolution

The first book-length history of the Iberian Anarchist Federation (FAI) from 1927 until it was repressed at the end of the Spanish Civil War in 1939, written by one of its members, Juan Gómez Casas.

Riots in the Potteries in 1842

Submitted by Reddebrek on Nov 14 2016 18:23

The Potteries represent the peak of the general strike of 1842. In addition to shutting down most mines mills and workshops in the area, groups of workers attacked and successfully toppled much of the local government and capital. This account though hostile in every respect contains much historical information on the events.

Ovambo migrant workers general strike for rights, Namibia: 1971-72

Submitted by Reddebrek on Nov 6 2016 06:07
Ovambo miners towards the end of the strike

In the winter of 1971-72 the economy of South West Africa (Namibia) was shutdown by a general strike of contract labourers challenged the economic system emplaced by Apartheid South Africa. The strike led to the scrapping of the contract system and is seen as a watershed moment, encouraging a rapid growth of opposition movements.

The Luddites: machine-breaking in regency England

Submitted by Anonymous on Nov 3 2016 23:00
Cartoon depicting the fictional Luddite leader Ned Ludd

A historical overview and analysis of the Luddite movement 1811-1816 which swept parts of the UK as workers smashed machines to defend their jobs, pay and conditions.

A new world in our hearts: the faces of Spanish anarchism

Submitted by Steven. on Nov 3 2016 22:52
CNT members in Valencia, 1978

Book published in 1978 by Cienfuegos Press, edited by Albert Meltzer, giving an overview of the anarchist movement in Spain following the death of dictator General Franco.