Joe Hill and the Industrial Workers of the World: the struggle for workingclass emancipation.

Abstract

This dissertation aims to outline the main themes dealt with the revolutionary organization known as the Industrial Workers of the World, whose history is intertwined with the most significant events occurred during the twenties of the last century in the United States. After a general introduction, in the first chapter the dissertation will provide a comprehensive survey of the Progressive Era, the condition of the working class and the earliest forms of syndicalism in the country. In the second chapter, it will take into account the institution of the afore-mentioned movement, its Manifesto and Preamble and a detailed overview of its strategies to achieve the working class emancipation. Firstly, it will be introduced the figure of “Big Bill” Haywood, a founder and a prominent member of the IWW; secondly, it will take into consideration the position of women inside the organization. In addition, it will be debated the question of white supremacy. Hence, the study will dwell on the relationship between the IWW with both religion and Communism. Thus, having examined these issues, the dissertation will move to the process of criminalization of the IWW and, as a consequence, the end of influence of the organization. After introducing the main points related to the IWW, the third chapter will explore the key figure of the IWW, Joe Hill, with a thorough introduction to his life and his controversial trial. Furthermore, the study will trace the features of Joe Hill’s songs. Another significant aspect that will be highlighted is the amount of artworks created by the Swedish IWW icon. Finally, the dissertation will move to the conclusion with the posthumous popularity of the working class hero, whose life and loyalty to the cause of Labor have influenced the upcoming generations.