Socialist Labor Party of America

The Socialist Labor Party of America (SLP) is the oldest socialist political party in the United States and the second oldest socialist party in the world.

Early 20th century developments

De Leon's opponents, led by Morris Hillquit, left the SLP in 1901 and fused with Eugene V. Debs' Social Democratic Party and formed the Socialist Party of America. In a dispute concerning the entry of the French socialist Millerand into the French government and the possibility of winning reforms by through parliamentary action that took place in the Second International the SLP firmly opposed the supporters of reformism. Therefore they and others in a similar position became known as Impossibilists. Today the term is still sometimes used with reference to the SLP and the Socialist Party of Great Britain although the two parties differ politically on a number of issues and have no connection.

Related Topics:
1901 - Eugene V. Debs - Social Democratic Party - Socialist Party of America - Socialist Party of Great Britain

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Despite often being condemned for its supposed sectarianism the SLP carried out work in the trades unions and its members were active in the Knights of Labor. With the collapse of the Knights SLP members were instrumental in setting up a small union federation in opposition to the American Federation of Labor in part because the AFL refused to organise many sections of the working class. This led to De Leon writing as to the need for what he called Socialist Industrial Unions which he speculated would not only defend the working class but would form part of the future socialist society.

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Perhaps the greatest impact the SLP and De Leon had was when they took part in the founding of the Industrial Workers of the World in 1905. However before too long they had fallen out with the element that they termed 'the bummery' and left to form their own rival Industrial Workers of the World based in Detroit. This body would soon be renamed the Workers International Industrial Union and declined into little more than SLP members. The WIIU was wound up in 1924.

Related Topics:
Industrial Workers of the World - Workers International Industrial Union

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