American Socialist

Specials

Specials

Eugene V. Debs is perhaps best known for his 1920 run for President from prison - that election marked his fifth attempt at the White House. But he was also one of America's most successful proponents of socialism. It was the German sociologist Werner Sombart who famously once asked Why is there no socialism in the United States?. Historian and writer Professor Jill Lepore tells the story of the socialist from the town of Terre Haute in the American midwest who changed the political dial in early twentieth century America.. She examines the influence and legacy of the long-time Socialist Party leader and explores the role of socialism in American politics then and now. Jill Lepore is Professor of Political History at Harvard University and staff writer at The New Yorker.