Agitate, Educate, and Organize: Radical Networks in New York in the Early 1880s

Abstract

In New York in the early 1880s, a fluid and mostly ephemeral range of clubs, leagues, unions, federations and parties provided opportunities, resources and events to confront the prevalent belief that the current democratic machine could never deliver the population from the grasp of monopolists. Using a synchronic horizontal analysis of the overarching radical network within the city over a three-year period, consideration is given to the interwoven strands of the radical platform; the different structures, cultures and experiences of the component organizations; activists’ multiple organizational memberships; and the varied political and personal experiences encountered. A conclusion is drawn that the oft-claimed dysfunctionality, impermanence and incoherence of the radical movement were ameliorated by the enduring existence of strong social networks.