Lucy Parsons, a radical, spoke at the inaugural gathering of the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) in 1905. Initially born into slavery and later emerging as a leading proponent of anarchism following her husband's execution post the Haymarket bombing, Parsons’ address sheds light on the challenges faced by women, in labor and the broader fight for fairness. This piece contends that Parsons’ speech acts as a rallying cry for the working class and a condemnation of exploitation, underscoring the necessity for revolutionary change through unified efforts. During her speech at the IWW assembly, Parsons delves into the mistreatment of women and workers, pushing for a shift in ownership and labor dynamics. She stresses that women, deprived of voice and enduring harsher exploitation than men, should join forces with the laboring masses to demand their portion of global resources. The address, delivered in Chicago, captures the language of 20th-century labor movements …show more content…
turned into a period marked by significant social and economic upheaval. The rise of industrial enterprise led to cruel working conditions, low wages, and little job security for laborers. Women were specifically faced with difficult additional challenges, including banishment from the political process and severe exploitation in the work field. The wider historical context includes the aftermath of the Haymarket affair, a violent war of words between police and labor protestors in Chicago in 1886, which drastically influenced Parsons and her activism. Parsons’ speech must be viewed in the context of labor unrest and the growing socialist and anarchist movements. The IWW, known for its radical approach to organizing labor, aimed to unite all workers regardless of their trade against the capitalist system. Parsons advocated for direct action and criticized the political system, aligning with the IWW’s belief that legislative changes were not enough to achieve economic