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Plutocracy II: Solidarity Forever continues filmmaker Scott Noble’s project to comprehensively examine American history through the lens of class. This film covers the seminal labor-related events which occurred between the late 1800s and the 1920s. Its subtitle refers to a 1915 song composed by Ralph Chaplin as an anthem for unionized workers. The film itself is the cinematic version of that anthem, as it provides a comprehensive understanding of the need for these early labor unions, and the enormous sacrifices of its members to ensure fairness, safety, and equality in the workplace.

The operations of industries like railroads, steel and coal were characterized by low wages, dangerous working environments, punishing hours, and child labor. With the birth of the labor unions, these industries were forced to re-examine their labor policies. One of the earliest examples of this is the formation of the American Railroad Union in 1893, an event that is prominently featured in the film. After the organization won early successes in recovering wages for denigrated workers, its popularity skyrocketed among the working class. But the heads of industry soon fought back with their far-reaching strong-arm influence, and subsequent public strikes were marred by violence, oppression and unlawful arrests.

ESFL continues to value the promotion of conversations between the past and the present. We think that the film’s portrayal of Eugene V. Debs will generate discussion of the place of socialism in American politics today, while its portrayal of the Industrial Workers of the World will provide a lens through which to consider immigrant workers’ centers and the Fight for $15 today.

We invite you to watch this great labor history film at a time convenient for you (Vimeo link: https://vimeo.com/179403297) and then join us for a conversation on Friday evening, June 18, at 7pm. Please register above for the Zoom link.

Free and open to all

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