Question 84

The excerpt above from a 1919 document reflects the views of the Industrial Workers of the World.

This document encapsulates the revolutionary ideals of the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW), emphasizing the abolition of the wage system and the organization of workers to dismantle capitalism. The focus on organizing industrially aligns closely with IWW’s mission to create a new society through collective action.

A) American Federation of Labor

The American Federation of Labor (AFL) primarily focused on skilled labor and advocating for better wages and working conditions within the existing capitalist framework. Their motto of "A fair day's wage for a fair day's work" directly contrasts with the revolutionary sentiments expressed in the excerpt, which calls for the abolition of the wage system entirely.

B) Grangers

The Grangers were primarily concerned with the interests of farmers and agricultural workers, advocating for cooperative buying and selling to improve their economic conditions. Their focus on agricultural reform does not align with the excerpt's emphasis on industrial organization and the overthrow of capitalism.

C) Knights of Labor

While the Knights of Labor did advocate for the rights of workers and promoted the idea of a cooperative society, they were more reformist in nature and did not explicitly call for the abolition of the wage system as a primary goal. The excerpt's revolutionary tone is more reflective of the IWW’s approach rather than that of the Knights of Labor.

D) Southern Farmers' Alliance

The Southern Farmers' Alliance focused on agricultural issues and economic cooperatives to empower farmers rather than addressing industrial labor or advocating for the abolition of the wage system. Their goals were not in line with the revolutionary context of the excerpt, which centers on industrial workers.

E) Industrial Workers of the World

The Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) advocated for the abolition of capitalism and emphasized the need for radical change in the labor system. Their focus on organizing workers across industries to build a new society reflects the sentiments expressed in the excerpt, making this choice the most accurate.

Conclusion

The excerpt distinctly aligns with the values of the Industrial Workers of the World, as it promotes the abolition of the wage system and emphasizes the need for a revolutionary restructuring of society. In contrast, the other options focus on reform within the existing capitalist framework or specific interests that do not encompass the broader revolutionary goals outlined in the document. Thus, E is definitively the correct answer.