Anarchism and Violence - Propaganda of The Deed

Propaganda of The Deed

Late in the 19th century, anarchist labor unions began to use the tactic of general strike. This was often met with violence and some of the strikes even resulted in massacres of the striking workers by militaries, police, and state militias; as well as by mercenaries hired by the bosses. The Pinkerton Security group was particularly notorious in 19th century America as mercenaries for hire and were responsible for many mass killings of trade unionists and anarchists.

In this climate, some anarchists began to advocate and practice terrorism or assassination, which they referred to as propaganda of the deed. United States President William McKinley was assassinated by Leon Czolgosz, a registered Republican who, after his arrest, claimed he had been influenced by the writings of Emma Goldman and others. Czolgosz' actions were widely condemned by anarchists, but the media widely characterized Czolgosz as a typical anarchist even though he had never actually belonged to any anarchist organization. Goldman spoke sympathetically of him and described his act as the result of a violent society. Her defense of Czolgosz was met with open hostility from most of the anarchist press.