Workers Party (U.S.)

Workers Party (U.S.)

Not to be confused with the modern Marxist-Leninist party, Workers Party, USA.

Part of the Politics series
Third Camp
Marxism
Leninism
Trotskyism
Concepts
Bureaucratic collectivism
State capitalism
Prominent figures
Joseph Carter
Hal Draper
Michael Harrington
Irving Howe
Julius Jacobson
Sean Matgamna
Maryam Namazie
Max Shachtman
Groups
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Workers' Party
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The Workers Party (WP) was a Third Camp Trotskyist group in the United States. It was founded in April 1940 by members of the Socialist Workers Party who opposed the Soviet invasion of Finland. They included Max Shachtman, who became the new group's leader, Hal Draper, C. L. R. James, Martin Abern, Joseph Carter, Julius Jacobson, and Irving Howe. The party's politics are often referred to as Shachtmanite.

At the time of the split, almost 40% of the membership of the SWP left the SWP. The WP had approximately 500 members. Although it recruited among workers and youth during the war years it never grew substantially, despite having more impact than its numbers would suggest.

Read more about Workers Party (U.S.):  Early Years, Youth Organizations, International Affiliation, Independent Socialist League, "Third Camp"

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