“An Overdose of IWW”

This IWW cartoon shows how despite the coordinated efforts of the employers association, police, and vigilante organizations, the free speech fights were a success. The ordinances against public speaking were rescinded, Wobbly prisoners were released and IWW organizing drives were allowed to proceed undisturbed. In the end, the events which took please in Missoula, Spokane, Fresno, and San Diego proved that it was not the Wobblies who were violent and lawless but the city’s businessmen, police, and “respectable elements.”

Illustration from the IWW publication the Industrial Worker on March 16, 1911.

View the IWW exhibit for more information.