William Weinstone facts for kids
William Wolf Weinstone (1897–1985) was an American political leader and a strong supporter of workers' rights. He was an important figure in the early days of the Communist Party USA and helped organize auto workers in Detroit during the 1930s.
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Early Life
William Weinstone was born on December 15, 1897, in Vilnius, which was then part of the Russian Empire. His parents were Jewish and moved from Russia to escape unfair treatment against Jewish people. When he was older, he changed his last name from "Weinstein" to "Weinstone."
His Work and Activism
Starting Out
In June 1919, Weinstone became a delegate at an important meeting in New York City that helped start the Communist Party of America. He was also a delegate at the official founding meeting of the party in Chicago on September 1, 1919.
In the early 1920s, the Communist Party of America had to operate in secret because the U.S. government was trying to stop them. During this time, Weinstone was a key leader for the secret party from October 1921 to February 1922. He used the fake name "G. Lewis" to stay hidden.
In 1929, Weinstone became part of the party's new leadership team. He also ran for Mayor of New York City that year. After his campaign, the Communist Party sent him to Moscow to represent them in a global communist organization until 1931.
Weinstone also ran for U.S. Senator from New York in 1932.
Supporting Workers' Rights
During the Great Depression in the 1930s, many workers were trying to form unions. Weinstone was a leader for the Communist Party in Michigan at this time. He played a big part in starting the United Auto Workers Union (UAW) in May 1935. He encouraged workers to use "sit-down strikes," where they would occupy their workplaces and refuse to leave.
One of the most famous sit-down strikes was the Flint Sit-Down Strike from 1936 to 1937. UAW workers took over several General Motors factories for over 40 days. They stayed even when police and the National Guard tried to make them leave. This strike was a big success for the union.
Fighting for Civil Rights
While working with auto workers, Weinstone also supported African Americans who faced unfair treatment in the southern states. He wrote articles for Communist newspapers, speaking out for people like the Scottsboro Boys and Angelo Herndon. These young African American men were falsely accused of crimes, and their legal defense was helped by groups supported by the Communist Party.
In 1938, Weinstone became the Director of the New York Workers School. This was a school run by the Communist Party to teach people about their ideas. He worked there until 1944.
Later Life and Challenges
Weinstone continued to write and publish materials for the Communist Party throughout his life. He helped edit a book called Highlights of a Fighting History: 60 Years of the Communist Party, USA, which shared important speeches and writings from the party's past.
In 1953, Weinstone and 12 other Communist leaders faced legal trouble in New York. He was found guilty of charges related to his political writings from 1948 and 1950. He spent two years in a federal prison and paid a fine. Weinstone remained loyal to the Communist Party his whole life, even when many people left the party in the late 1950s.
In 1959, Weinstone was one of the first American Communists to visit the Soviet Union again after a long time. He thought about staying there, but he was convinced to return to the United States.
Personal Life
William Weinstone was married to Gertrude Haessler. Her brother, Carl Haessler, was a leader of the Federated Press, a news service.
Will Weinstone passed away on October 26, 1985.
Lasting Impact
Weinstone's important papers and writings are kept at the Library of Congress in Washington, DC.
He was also featured in the movie Reds, directed by Warren Beatty. In the film, Weinstone shared his memories of the famous journalist John Reed and Reed's wife, Louise Bryant.
Writings
- The Atom Bomb and You. New York: New Century Publishers, 1950.
- Our Generation Will Not Be Silent: Statement of the Labor Youth League in Answer to the Attorney General's Charges under the McCarran Act. New York: The League, 1953.
- Against Opportunism: For a Marxist-Leninist, Vanguard Party of the American Working Class. New York: Waterfront Section, Communist Party, U.S.A., 1956.
- Study Outline on the History of the Communist Party, USA. New York: National Education Dept., Communist Party, U.S.A., 1969.
