Under the Socialist Banner: Resolutions of the Second International, 1889-1912

Recent years have seen a massive growth of interest in socialism, particularly among young people. But few are fully aware of socialism ‘s revolutionary history. For this reason, an appreciation of the Second International–often called the Socialist International –during its Marxist years is particularly relevant.

From 1889 to 1912 resolutions of the Second International helped disseminate and popularize a revolutionary aim: the overturn of capitalism and its replacement by the democratic rule of the working class, as a first step toward socialism.

Despite weaknesses and contradictions that led to the Second International ’s collapse in 1914, its resolutions during these years remain a resource for those studying the socialist movement ’s history and objectives. Many of the topics dealt with–war and militarism, immigration, trade unions and labor legislation, women ’s rights, colonialism, socialist strategy and tactics–remain just as relevant today.

This book is the first English-language collection ever assembled of all the resolutions adopted by congresses of the Second International in its Marxist years.