Oral history interview with Herbert Benjamin, 1977

Biographical Note

Political activist

Scope and Contents

Jewish family life, boyhood reading, job-hunting in Chicago, 1912; early interest in Communist Party; growth of political convictions, leadership in Industrial Workers of the World, Socialist and Communist Parties, 1910-1935; factionalism in United States left: issues, reasons, leaders; organizing Communist Party districts and Unemployed Councils in Philadelphia, Washington, New York City; black participation in Communist Party; history, policies, organization of United States Unemployed Movement, 1920-35; major strikes, demonstrations, marches; renditions of Jewish, Yiddish, protest and Wobbly songs

Subjects

• Afro-American communists.
• Benjamin, Herbert, 1899-1983--Interviews.
• Communism--United States--20th century.
• Communist Party of the United States of America.
• Communist parties.
• Goodman, Roger, interviewer.
• Industrial Workers of the World.
• Interviews.
• Oral histories.
• Political parties--United States.