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Guide to the Social Democratic Federation of America Records
TAM.011
Descriptive Summary
| Creator:
|
Social Democratic Federation of America. |
| Title: |
Social Democratic Federation of America Records |
| Dates [inclusive]: |
1933-1956 |
| Abstract:
|
The Social Democratic Federation of America (SDF) was organized in 1936 after the
split in the Socialist Party between the Old Guard and the Militants. It was able
to attract many of the traditional Socialist Party sources of support and its activities
were directed by many prominent Socialist Party members, including August Claessens,
Algernon Lee, Leo Meltzer, James Oneal and Louis Waldman. The SDF sought to promote
the principles of social democracy and independent political action. In the late 1930's,
SDF was associated with the American Labor Party of New York and the People's Party.
During the 1940's and early 1950's, SDF's membership and influence declined forcing
merger negotiations with the Socialist Party. The merger was affected in 1957. Contains
correspondence with state branches; records of the national office and national executive
committee; extensive records (1936-1956) of the New York City local, including correspondence,
minutes, and financial records; material on Jewish Socialist Verband, Camp Tamiment
(Pa.), the Fred Beal case, which grew out of the 1919 strike in Gastonia, N.C., WEVD
(1933-1935) and various committees formed by the federation; also includes clippings
on Jasper McLevy, national chairman.
Note: the collection has been microfilmed, except for series IX, and researchers must
use the microfilm copy (R-7124, reels 15-18). |
| Quantity: |
6.5 linear feet (13 boxes) |
| Mixed materials [Box]:
|
1-13 |
| Call Phrase: |
TAM.011 |
