Earl Browder

Date of Birth: May 20, 1891

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Date of Death: June 27, 1973

Biography

Earl Browder was an influential American political activist and leader in the early to mid-20th century. He was born in Wichita, Kansas, and became a prominent figure in the American Communist Party. Browder’s political career began in the labor movement, where he championed workers’ rights and social justice. His commitment to these causes led him to join the Communist Party USA (CPUSA) in the 1920s, where he quickly rose through the ranks. By the mid-1930s, Browder had become the general secretary of the CPUSA and played a crucial role in aligning the party with the broader anti-fascist movement during World War II. He was known for his efforts to unify various leftist groups and for advocating a “popular front” against fascism, which gained him both supporters and critics. Browder’s leadership saw the CPUSA reach its peak membership and influence during the 1930s and 1940s. However, his political career was not without controversy. In the post-war period, Browder’s attempts to moderate the party’s policies and his support for cooperation with the Democratic Party led to his expulsion from the CPUSA in 1946. After his expulsion, Browder continued to write and speak about political issues but never regained his former influence. He spent his later years focusing on his family and writing extensively about his experiences and political views.

5 Interesting Facts about Earl Browder

1. Browder was imprisoned twice for his political activities: once in 1920 for opposing World War I and again in 1940 for passport violations.

2. He ran for President of the United States twice, in 1936 and 1940, as the Communist Party candidate.

3. Browder advocated for an “Americanized” version of communism, which he believed could be adapted to the unique social and political landscape of the United States.

4. He was instrumental in organizing labor unions and was deeply involved in the early civil rights movement.

5. Browder authored several books and articles, including his autobiography, “The Way Out,” where he detailed his political journey and vision for America.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Earl Browder

1. “Communism is not love. Communism is a hammer which we use to crush the enemy.”

2. “We are not afraid to entrust the American people with unpleasant facts, foreign ideas, alien philosophies, and competitive values.”

3. “In the struggle between those who exploit and those who are exploited, there can be no neutral ground.”

4. “The American people will never knowingly adopt socialism. But under the name of ‘liberalism,’ they will adopt every fragment of the socialist program.”

5. “The war against fascism is also a war for democracy, and it must be fought on both fronts.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Earl Browder was primarily a political activist and did not achieve significant personal wealth. His focus was on social and political causes rather than financial gain.

Children

Earl Browder had three children: Felix, William, and Andrew Browder. All three children went on to have distinguished careers, with Felix and William becoming prominent mathematicians and Andrew becoming a well-respected economist.