Anarchism is a political philosophy that seeks to create a society without hierarchy or government control. The history of anarchism in North America is a rich and fascinating one, full of passionate individuals who have fought for freedom and autonomy in the face of oppression and injustice.
Josiah Warren (1798-1874) is considered to be one of the first American anarchists. He was an individualist anarchist, author, and inventor. Warren was a proponent of individual sovereignty, the idea that individuals have the right to govern themselves and make their own choices. He believed that government and other forms of authority were unnecessary and that society could function without them. He advocated for a society based on voluntary association and mutual aid, where people could freely trade goods and services with one another without interference from the state or other external forces. He also experimented with creating anarchist communities, such as the Cincinnati Time Store and Utopia, Ohio, where his ideas on labor, value, and mutual aid could be put into practice.
The first known anarchist group in North America was formed in the late 1800s by a group of European immigrants who were inspired by the revolutionary ideas of figures like Mikhail Bakunin and Pyotr Kropotkin. Both Bakunin and Kropotkin were prominent figures in the anarchist movement of the late 1800s and early 1900s. Bakunin, a Russian revolutionary, and philosopher, was an early critic of Karl Marx and the authoritarian nature of Marxism. He advocated for a decentralized and self-governing society, where individuals would be free to make their own choices and where power would be distributed as widely as possible. On the other hand, Kropotkin, a Russian geographer, economist, and political theorist, was a proponent of mutual aid, the idea that cooperation and mutual support were the key to human survival and evolution. He believed that society would be more efficient and harmonious if it were based on voluntary cooperation rather than competition. They both rejected the idea of a centralized state and advocated for a society based on federalism and self-government. These early anarchists were primarily focused on workers’ rights and labor struggles, and they played a significant role in the formation of the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW), a labor union that advocated for the overthrow of capitalism and the creation of a socialist society.
As the 20th century progressed, anarchism continued to evolve and diversify in North America. Anarchist groups and individuals became involved in a wide range of social and political movements, including the civil rights movement, the feminist movement, and the environmental movement. They also played a key role in the anti-war and anti-globalization movements of the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
Examples of modern-day anarchists include;
- CrimethInc, a group of anarchist writers and activists who publish a variety of books, zines, and other materials on anarchist theory and practice. They are known for their highly readable and accessible writing style, and for their emphasis on direct action and grassroots organizing.
- The Anarchist Black Cross, is a network of anarchist groups and individuals who work to support political prisoners and prisoners of war. They provide financial and legal support to prisoners and also work to raise awareness about issues of state repression and the prison industrial complex.
- Mutual Aid Disaster Relief, is a decentralized network of anarchists and other activists who provide mutual aid and disaster relief in the wake of natural and man-made disasters.
- The Zapatistas, a leftist political movement that operates in the southern states of Mexico, are known for their strong commitment to indigenous rights and autonomy, and for their emphasis on direct democracy and grassroots organizing.
- The Rojava Revolution, an autonomous region in the North of Syria which is governed by principles of direct democracy, feminism, ecology, and ethnic and religious pluralism.
- And of course, A Radical Guide 😉
Despite the many challenges and setbacks that anarchists have faced throughout history, their ideas and actions continue to inspire and influence people around the world. The North American anarchist movement has a rich history of resistance, solidarity, and mutual aid. Anarchists continue to work towards creating a society based on equality, freedom, and self-determination for all people. Today, we see a diverse range of groups and individuals continuing this legacy, from CrimethInc to the Zapatistas, the Anarchist Black Cross to the Rojava Revolution, and many more. These groups and individuals, along with countless others, are working to promote anarchist ideas and practices in various ways. They all show that anarchism is not a relic of the past, but a viable and dynamic political philosophy with much to offer in the present and future.
If you’re looking to learn more about the history, stories, places, and people of resistance, be sure to check out A Radical Guide, a one-of-its-kind media project that focuses on the history, stories, places, and people of resistance. With a directory on the site, you can connect with other anarchists and anarchist groups and join a community of motivated people who believe in creating a better world for all, that is not rooted in capitalism, competition, and hierarchy.
