John Spargo
John Spargo was a socialist. He was elected president of the Barry Trades and Labor Council and became a member of the National Executive Committee of the Social Democratic Federation (SDF). On 27th February 1900, Spargo and the SDF met with several other Labor groups and trade union leaders to establish a distinct Labor group in Parliament. The Conference established a Labor Representation Committee (LRC).
In 1901, Spargo became one of the founding members of the Socialist Party of America. In 1905, Spargo published book about child labor called, “The Bitter Cry of Children”. It uncovered the ins-and-outs of child labor and about the horrible thing that were being done to children. This was followed by a book about child nutrition known as, “Underfed School Children”. He is now considered one of the most important people in the socialist movement.
Over the next few years Spargo became a popular figure in the Socialist Party of America. He helped with women’s suffrage and African American civil rights, however, he wanted to restrict immigration. On the outbreak of the First World War most socialists in the United States didn't want conflict. They argued that America should remain neutral. After the USA declared war on the Central Powers in 1917, Spargo argued for a pro-war policy. But when he was told no at a conference of the Socialist Party of America, he resigned from the party.
In 1901, Spargo became one of the founding members of the Socialist Party of America. In 1905, Spargo published book about child labor called, “The Bitter Cry of Children”. It uncovered the ins-and-outs of child labor and about the horrible thing that were being done to children. This was followed by a book about child nutrition known as, “Underfed School Children”. He is now considered one of the most important people in the socialist movement.
Over the next few years Spargo became a popular figure in the Socialist Party of America. He helped with women’s suffrage and African American civil rights, however, he wanted to restrict immigration. On the outbreak of the First World War most socialists in the United States didn't want conflict. They argued that America should remain neutral. After the USA declared war on the Central Powers in 1917, Spargo argued for a pro-war policy. But when he was told no at a conference of the Socialist Party of America, he resigned from the party.
This picture shows the owners of big companies forcing children to do all of the hard work. This depicts child labor which is what John Spargo successfully reformed.
This video explains the horrible conditions in which children had to work in and how John Spargo helped change them.