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Author Zecker, Robert, 1962- author.

Title A road to peace and freedom : the International Workers Order and the struggle for economic justice and civil rights, 1930-1954 / Robert M. Zecker
Published Philadelphia : Temple University Press, [2018]

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Description 1 online resource (1 electronic resource (xiv, 365 pages))
Contents Introduction -- A practical demonstration in democracy: the IWO -- A plan for plenty: the IWO tames capitalism -- We dare entertain thoughts not to the liking of present-day bigots: race, civil rights and the IWO -- A mandolin orchestra could attract a lot of attention: interracial fun -- Foreign policy and the IWO -- A fraternal order sentenced to death!: government suppression -- Conclusion
Summary The International Workers Order was an American consortium of ethnic mutual self-insurance societies that advocated for unemployment insurance, Social Security and vibrant industrial unions. This interracial leftist organization guaranteed the healthcare of its 180,000 white, black, Hispanic and Arabic working-class members. But what accounted for the popularity-and eventual notoriety-of this Order? Mining extensive primary sources, Robert Zecker gives voice to the workers in "A Road to Peace and Freedom." He describes the group's economic goals, commitment to racial justice, and activism, from lobbying to end segregation and lynching in America to defeating fascism abroad. Zecker also illustrates the panoply of entertainment, sports, and educational activities designed to cultivate the minds and bodies of members. However, the IWO was led by Communists, and the Order was targeted for red-baiting during the Cold War, subject to government surveillance, and ultimately "liquidated." Zecker explains how the dismantling of the IWO and the general suppression of left-wing dissenting views on economic egalitarianism and racial equality had deleterious effects for the entire country. Moreover, Zecker shows why the sobering lesson of the IWO remains prescient today
Analysis History
Bibliography Includes bibliographical references (pages 265-347) and index
Notes This work is licensed by Knowledge Unlatched under a Creative Commons license https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/legalcode
In English
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Subject International Workers Order.
SUBJECT International Workers Order fast
Subject International labor activities -- History -- 20th century
Labor unions -- United States -- History -- 20th century
Working class -- Societies, etc. -- History -- 20th century
Working class -- United States -- Societies, etc. -- History -- 20th century
Labor movement -- United States -- History -- 20th century
Civil rights and socialism -- United States -- History -- 20th century
HISTORY -- United States -- 20th Century.
Civil rights and socialism
International labor activities
Labor movement
Labor unions
Working class -- Societies, etc.
United States
Genre/Form History
Form Electronic book
LC no. 2019667851
ISBN 9781439915172
1439915172