Alexander Berkman

Date of Birth: November 21, 1870

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Date of Death: June 28, 1936

Biography

Alexander Berkman was a notable anarchist writer and activist born on November 21, 1870, in Vilnius, Lithuania, which was then part of the Russian Empire. Berkman emigrated to the United States in 1888 and became a significant figure in the anarchist movement. He is best known for his involvement in labor struggles, his attempt to assassinate industrialist Henry Clay Frick in 1892, and his later writings that provided a critical examination of capitalist society. Berkman spent 14 years in prison for the attempted assassination, during which he wrote his seminal work, “Prison Memoirs of an Anarchist” (1912), detailing his experiences and thoughts on the prison system. Following his release, Berkman continued his activism, editing anarchist publications and organizing labor strikes. In 1919, he was deported to the Soviet Union along with fellow anarchist Emma Goldman. Initially supportive of the Bolshevik Revolution, Berkman became disillusioned with the authoritarian nature of the Soviet regime, which he documented in his book “The Bolshevik Myth” (1925). Berkman spent his later years in Europe, grappling with financial difficulties and health issues. He committed suicide in Nice, France, on June 28, 1936, due to his deteriorating health.

5 Interesting Facts about Alexander Berkman

1. Alexander Berkman attempted to assassinate Henry Clay Frick in 1892 as an act of retaliation for the Homestead Strike, though Frick survived the attack.

2. Berkman served 14 years in prison for the attempted assassination, during which he wrote his influential book “Prison Memoirs of an Anarchist.”

3. He was deported from the United States to the Soviet Union in 1919 along with Emma Goldman.

4. Berkman became disillusioned with the Bolshevik government, which he detailed in his book “The Bolshevik Myth.”

5. He was a close associate and lifelong friend of Emma Goldman, with whom he collaborated on various anarchist projects and publications.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Alexander Berkman

1. “The spirit of revolt, the spirit of independence, the spirit of manhood and womanhood cannot be crushed out.”

2. “War is the health of the State.”

3. “Prison is the tomb of the living.”

4. “Every society gets the kind of criminal it deserves.”

5. “I believe that anarchism is the only philosophy of peace.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Alexander Berkman was not known for achieving significant financial wealth during his lifetime. His highest net worth is not documented, but he lived modestly and often struggled with financial difficulties.