Debs on Violating the Sedition Act: Main Idea
Debs on Violating the Sedition Act: Main Idea
Eugene V. Debs used the dramatic—emphasis on dramatic, have you read this speech?—opportunity provided by his sentencing hearing as a forum for educating the American public about his Socialist principles. With the spotlight on him as the most prominent, nationally known figure to be prosecuted for speaking out against World War I, Debs spoke eloquently about the abuses of capitalism and his vision for a better, more equitable society where Socialism would eventually triumph.
And it's stirring stuff.
Debs spoke poetically about the hardships of the working class (boo) and of his belief that their suffering would lead to a massive working class movement that would overturn an unjust society and replace it with an egalitarian Eden (yay).
Though much of the speech was about the collective spirit of Socialism, Debs' personal story arc was skillfully woven into his remarks. He addressed his early work in the labor movement, denial of personal ambition, and almost mystical belief in the triumph of the Socialist movement.
Sorry, Mr. Debs, history didn't vindicate your bet on Socialism…but will always remember the power of your speech.
Questions
- Is it patriotic or anti-American to criticize the United States government during wartime?
- Were the Socialists accurate in saying that big business was controlling the government's decision to enter the war?
- Is it unjust for one person to earn hundreds of millions of dollars for doing very little while millions work hard and can barely get by?
- Why didn't more Americans rally to Debs' vision?
Chew On This
Eugene V. Debs vastly overestimated the potential for a Socialist movement in America.
The U.S. government crushed the Socialist movement by prosecuting its leaders and raising the standard of living through a war-based economy.
Quotes
Quote #1
I said then, and I say now, that while there is a lower class, I am in it, and while there is a criminal element I am of it, and while there is a soul in prison, I am not free. (1)
Debs begins with a powerful statement of solidarity with the downtrodden. What rhetorical devices does he use to hammer home his personal identification with the working classes?
Quote #2
I see them [child laborers] dwarfed and diseased and their little lives broken and blasted because in this high noon of Christian civilization money is still so much more important than the flesh and blood of childhood. (12)
Debs begins with a powerful statement of solidarity with the downtrodden. What rhetorical devices does he use to hammer home his personal identification with the working classes?
Quote #3
[…] if there are still vast numbers of our people who are the victims of poverty and whose lives are unceasing struggle all the way from youth to old age, until at last death comes to their rescue and lulls these hapless victims to dreamless sleep, it is not the fault of the Almighty: it cannot be charged to nature, but it is due entirely to the outgrown social system in which we live […] (14)
Debs is again referring to religion in this quote. Socialism is generally pretty down on religion, but Debs had a strong Christian streak. Be on the lookout for other religious references.
Quote #4
[…] I am not alone. There are multiplied thousands of others who, like myself, have come to realize that before we may truly enjoy the blessings of civilized life, we must reorganize society upon a mutual and cooperative basis; and to this end we have organized a great economic and political movement that spreads over the face of the earth. (20-21)
Though Debs had reason to be optimistic about Socialism's appeal because of events in Russia, Socialism in America was in crisis. He might be trying to reassure himself as well as his audience in this section.