Daniel De Leon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Daniel De Leon
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| Born | December 14, 1852 Curaçao, Colony of Curaçao and Dependencies
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| Died | May 11, 1914 (aged 61) New York City, New York, United States
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| Nationality | |
| Other names | Daniel de León |
| Alma mater | |
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| Known for | Marxism–De Leonism |
| Height | 5 ft 5 in (165 cm) |
| Political party | Socialist Labor Party |
| Movement | American Labor Movement |
| Spouse(s) |
Bertha Canary
(m. 1892) |
| Children | 9, including Solon |
Daniel De Leon (December 14, 1852 – May 11, 1914) was an American socialist and a key figure in the labor movement. He worked as a newspaper editor, politician, and a thinker about Marxist ideas. He is known for his ideas about "revolutionary industrial unionism," which means he believed workers should organize into powerful unions to bring about big changes in society.
De Leon was a main leader of the Socialist Labor Party of America from 1890 until his death. He also helped start the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW). His ideas influenced socialist labor parties in countries like Australia, the United Kingdom, and Canada.
Contents
Biography
Early Life and Education
Daniel De Leon was born on December 14, 1852, in Curaçao. His father, Salomon de Leon, was a surgeon in the Dutch army and a government official. Daniel was raised Catholic, but his family had a Jewish background from Spain and Portugal.
When Daniel was twelve, his father passed away. In 1866, Daniel left Curaçao and traveled to Germany. He studied at a high school there and later attended the Leiden University in the Netherlands in 1870. He studied medicine but did not finish his degree.
While in Europe, Daniel became very good at many languages. He learned German, Dutch, French, English, ancient Greek, and Latin, in addition to his first language, Spanish.
Around 1872 or 1874, he moved to New York with his wife and mother. He taught Latin, Greek, and math at a school in Westchester, New York. In 1876, he went to Columbia University and earned a law degree in 1878.
After practicing law for a few years, he became more interested in teaching at Columbia. He gave lectures on Latin American diplomacy and how European countries were involved in South American affairs. He taught at Columbia until 1889.
Personal Life
Daniel De Leon married Sarah Lobo, who was 16 years old, in Caracas, Venezuela. Her family was well-known in the Dutch Antilles and Venezuela. Their first son, Solon De Leon, was born in New York in 1883.
Sadly, Sarah Lobo De Leon died in 1887 while giving birth. Another child, Grover Cleveland De Leon, also passed away around the same time.
In 1891, Daniel met Bertha Canary, a school teacher, during a speaking tour. They got married in 1892. They had five children together: Florence, Gertrude, Paul, Donald, and Genseric.
Political Career
De Leon became involved in politics in New York City. He joined the Socialist Labor Party of America in 1890 and became the editor of their newspaper, The People. He quickly became an important leader in the party.
He ran for governor of New York state several times, in 1891, 1902, and 1904. His best result was in 1902, when he received over 15,000 votes.
De Leon became a strong believer in Marxism in the late 1880s. He believed that capitalism (an economic system where private businesses own most things) should be replaced by socialism (an economic system where society or the government owns and controls the means of production and distribution). He wanted the Socialist Labor Party to focus on a revolutionary change, not just small improvements.
De Leon was very critical of the existing trade unions in America, especially the American Federation of Labor. He thought they only helped skilled workers and divided the labor movement. He helped create the Socialist Trade and Labor Alliance (ST&LA) in 1895, which was controlled by his party.
By the early 1900s, the Socialist Labor Party was losing members to other socialist groups. De Leon attended an international socialist meeting in Amsterdam in 1904. Around this time, he started focusing more on "industrial unionism." This idea meant that all workers in an industry, no matter their skill, should join one big union.
He worked with the American Labor Union to help create the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) in 1905. However, his time with the IWW was short and difficult. De Leon believed in using political action (like voting) along with union organizing. Other IWW leaders, like Big Bill Haywood, favored "direct action" by workers.
Because of these disagreements, De Leon's followers left the IWW. They formed their own group, which later became the Workers' International Industrial Union. This group eventually ended in 1925.
Death and Legacy
Daniel De Leon passed away in New York on May 11, 1914. His ideas continued to be important and were kept alive by the Socialist Labor Party.
De Leon had a big influence on other socialists, even outside the United States. For example, a Socialist Labour Party was formed in the United Kingdom based on his ideas. His hope for a peaceful revolution also influenced Antonio Gramsci, another important thinker.
Electoral History
Daniel De Leon ran for several political offices in New York state:
- In 1891, he ran for Governor of New York and received 14,651 votes.
- In 1893, he ran for Secretary of State of New York and received 20,034 votes.
- In 1902, he ran for Governor again and received 15,886 votes.
- In 1903, he ran for the New York Court of Appeals.
- In 1904, he ran for Governor again and received 8,976 votes.
See also
In Spanish: Daniel de León para niños
