[Mblake1981]

Originally Posted by Reiwa [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

“There are forty-seven states in the Union, and the Soviet of Washington”

The Communist movement, founded in 1919, caught on quickly in the Pacific Northwest, picking up members from the fading Industrial Workers of the World and Socialist Party. In the 1930s the CP played key roles in the strikes and campaigns that built some of the region’s most powerful unions and used that base to influence other institutions. The Washington Commonwealth Federation, the Washington Pension Union and to some extent the state’s Democratic party organization responded to these popular front initiatives. Running as Democrats, Communists won some important public offices, including a seat in Congress.

Although faced with the problem of aging members and declining numbers, the Party remained active through the end of the 20th century, working mostly in quiet ways with various movements and projects involving labor, race, gender, and other social justice issues.