Today in labor history: “The Agitator” first published

On November 15, 1910, “The Agitator” – a newspaper based in Lakebay, Washington – was first published. It would continue to run on a bimonthly basis until 1912. During its run, the tabloid advocated industrial unionism, free speech, sexual freedom, and support for the Industrial Workers of the World, becoming a provocative rallying point for working class readers.

“The Agitator” was published by the anarchist Home Colony, which was the site of visits of such notable figures as Emma Goldman, according to the Labor Press Project. The paper’s editor was Jay Fox, a survivor of the Haymarket Massacre in Chicago.

The paper covered issues including strikes, rallies, presidential elections, and international issues like the Mexican civil war. “The Agitator” also included poetry and prose on occasion.

Before its run ended, Fox had agreed to relocate the paper to the Windy City, where it continued to be published during its final year.

Photo: Labor Press Project

 


CONTRIBUTOR

Special to People’s World
Special to People’s World

People’s World is a voice for progressive change and socialism in the United States. It provides news and analysis of, by, and for the labor and democratic movements to our readers across the country and around the world. People’s World traces its lineage to the Daily Worker newspaper, founded by communists, socialists, union members, and other activists in Chicago in 1924.

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