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Industrial Workers of the World photograph collection, approximately 1910-1949

Overview of the Collection

Title
Industrial Workers of the World photograph collection
Dates
approximately 1910-1949 (inclusive)
Quantity
122 photographic prints (2 boxes, 1 folder) ; sizes vary
2 negatives
Collection Number
PH0922
Summary
Activities of the Industrial Workers of the World including protests and people killed while protesting
Repository
University of Washington Libraries, Special Collections
Special Collections
University of Washington Libraries
Box 352900
Seattle, WA
98195-2900
Telephone: 2065431929
Fax: 2065431931
speccoll@uw.edu
Access Restrictions

Entire collection can be viewed on the Libraries' Digital Collections website. Access to original photographs is restricted. Contact Special Collections for further information.

Request at UW

Languages
English
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Historical Background

The Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) was a radical labor organization founded in Chicago in 1905 that was most active between the turn of the century and the 1930s. The Wobblies, as they were known, believed there must be radical changes in American capitalism to improve the oppressive conditions that workers faced, including an overthrow of the employing class. Many IWW members believed in socialist or communist ideology and some advocated whatever means necessary to effect change, including sabotage and violence. The Seattle chapter of the IWW was also founded in 1905 and contributed to the city’s reputation as a hotbed of labor radicalism. The local office showed a keen interest in labor and Wobbly-related activities across the nation, but most of its activities focused on organizing labor within the state. The Wobblies experienced a decline in popularity beginning during World War II, and the decline continued due to the anti-Communist sentiment of post-war America. As it was no longer able to function effectively, the Seattle IWW office closed in 1965. However, the national IWW is still active today.

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Content Description

This collection contains photographs and photographic postcards that pertain to the members and activities of the IWW, including meetings, strikes, rallies, raids and funerals. This collection also includes photographs of IWW-related buildings such as union halls. Photographs of people depict leaders, organizers and other IWW affiliates. Photographs of IWW documents show signage, fliers and newspaper articles pertinent to the IWW.

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Use of the Collection

Alternative Forms Available

View the digital version of the collection

Restrictions on Use

Restrictions may exist on reproduction, quotation, or publication. Contact Special Collections, University of Washington Libraries for details.

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Administrative Information

Acquisition Information

Donor: IWW Seattle Office, May 18, 1965.

Processing Note

Processed by Erin Berg and Senteara Orwig; processing completed in 2012.

Photos transferred from IWW Seattle Joint Branches Records, Mss. Acc. No. 0544-001, circa 1960s; photos transferred from Social Issues files, 2011.

Separated Materials

Material Described Separately:

IWW Seattle Joint Branches Records (Mss Coll 0544)

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Detailed Description of the Collection

 

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • Coal Strike, Colo., 1927--Photographs
  • Coal miners--Colorado
  • Demonstrations--California--Photographs
  • Everett Massacre, Everett, Wash., 1916--Photographs
  • Freedom of speech--California--Sacramento
  • Freedom of speech--California--San Pedro
  • General Strike, Seattle, Wash., 1919--Photographs
  • Strikes and lockouts--Coal mining--Colorado
  • Strikes and lockouts--Hop picking--Washington (State)--Yakima
  • Textile Workers' Strike, Lawrence, Mass., 1912--Photographs
  • Visual Materials Collections (University of Washington)

Personal Names

  • Flores Magón, Enrique--Photographs
  • Little, Frank, -1917--Photographs

Corporate Names

  • Clearwater County (Idaho)--Officials and employees
  • Industrial Workers of the World
  • Industrial Workers of the World--Songs and music
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