The Making of a Native Marxist: The Early Career of Earl Browder Academic Article uri icon

abstract

  • In June, 1945, America's Communists replaced their leader, Earl Browder, who had sought an East-West dtente instead of the Cold War. Eight months later they expelled him from the movement altogether, although he had spent twenty-four years in its service. Since 1934, when he had gained undisputed control, he had dominated the Communist party of the United States (CPUSA) as no one had done before or could do afterward. Under him it had taken advantage of the Great Depression to achieve a degree of respectability previously unknown. It even enjoyed a measure of prestige in at least some sections of society. Probably the best-organized political party to the left of the New Deal, during the thirties it also became the largest Marxian group by outdistancing the socialists. The CPUSA grew in number from 7,000 in 1930 to about 100,000 during the Second World War, with influence ranging far beyond its membership rolls. In contrast to its success under Browder, after his ouster it receded rapidly into political oblivion.

published proceedings

  • The Review of Politics

author list (cited authors)

  • Ryan, J. G.

citation count

  • 0

complete list of authors

  • Ryan, James Gilbert

publication date

  • January 1977