Socialist Labor Party of America | |
|---|---|
| Founded | July 1876 |
| Headquarters | Mountain View, California |
The Socialist Labor Party of America, founded in 1876, is the oldest socialist party in the United States. It was originally known as the Workingmen's Party of America.
History
Foundation
The Socialist Labor Party was founded in July 1876 in Philadelphia, shortly after the dissolution of the First International. It contained Marxist factions of the First International and Lassalleans from the Illinois Labor Party. About 3,000 members participated in the founding congress. The Lassalleans won a majority in the congress and elected Philip Van Patten as national secretary.[1]
1877 strike
The Socialist Labor Party supported the Great Railroad Strike of 1877, which was put down by 100,000 federal troops.[1]
Growth
By 1879, the Socialist Labor Party had 10,000 members from 24 out of 38 states.[1]
Political positions
The Socialist Labor Party called for nationalization of railroads and telegraphs. They supported state-owned industry operated by trade unions.[1]