1810s Today in Labor History May 31, 1819: Poet Walt Whitman was born. Whitman published his first and most famous collection of poems, Leaves of Grass, in 1855, using his own money. Critics called it obscene for its sensuality (and probably also because of the rumors of his homosexuality). Indeed, many believe Whitman was gay […]
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The Birth of the Modern School Movement The Modern School (Escuela Moderna) was created in Spain by the anarchist educator Francisco Ferrer (1859-1909). His book, The Origin and Ideals of the Modern School, argued for the co-education of both boys and girls, as well as the rich and poor. During Ferrer’s days, the Spanish literacy rate was only
1300s Today in Labor History May 30, 1381: Tax collector John Bampton sparked the Peasants’ Revolt in Brentwood, Essex. The mass uprising, also known as Wat Tyler’s Rebellion, or the Great Rising, began because of attempts to collect a poll tax. However, tensions were already high because of the economic misery and hunger caused by
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Today in Labor History May 29, 1798: The British authorities executed 300-500 members of the United Irishmen because of their role in the recent Irish Rebellion. 1830s-1850s May 29, 1830: Anarchist Louise Michel, was born in Vroncourt, France. Michel, also known as The Red Virgin, was a leader of the Paris Commune. Today in Labor
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Louise Michel, anarchist revolutionary, was born today, May 29, 1830, in Vroncourt, France. Also known as The Red Virgin, Michel was a leader of the Paris Commune. After her return from exile, she became a leading anarchist organizer and speaker. She is believed to be the first person to use the black flag as an