Origins & Early Life

William Dudley Haywood (February 4, 1869 – May 18, 1928), nicknamed "Big Bill", was an American labor organizer and founding member and leader of the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) and a member of the executive committee of the Socialist Party of America. During the first two decades of the 20th century, Haywood was involved in several important labor battles, including the Colorado Labor Wars, the Lawrence Textile Strike, and other textile strikes in Massachusetts and New Jersey. Haywood was an advocate of industrial unionism, and syndicalism, a labor philosophy that favors organizing all workers in an industry under one union, regardless of the specific trade or skill level; this was in contrast to the craft unions that were prevalent at the time, such as the AFL. He believed that workers of all ethnicities should be united, and favored direct action over political action.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Haywood was often targeted by prosecutors due to his alleged support for property violence. An attempt to prosecute him in 1907 for his alleged involvement in the murder of Frank Steunenberg failed, but in 1918 he was one of 101 IWW members jailed during the First Red Scare. He was sentenced to twenty years...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• André Gide — Contemporary (Born in 1869) (1869): Pioneering French author, Nobel laureate known for exploring selfhood and transgression.
• Bogd Khan — Contemporary (Born in 1869) (1869): Spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism and Khan of the Bogd Khanate of Mongolia.
• Booth Tarkington — Contemporary (Born in 1869) (1869): Pioneering American novelist celebrated for capturing the spirit of the Midwest.
• Agnès Varda — Contemporary (Born in 1928) (1928): Pioneering French filmmaker, artist, and documentarian celebrated for her unique vision.
• Alan J. Pakula — Contemporary (Born in 1928) (1928): American film director, writer, and producer known for political thrillers.
• Alexander Bogdanov — Contemporary (Died in 1928) (1928): Polymath philosopher, pioneer of blood transfusion, and key Bolshevik revolutionary.
• Al-Dhahabi — Shared historical date (02-04 · Died) (1348): Pioneering Syrian Sunni historian, biographer, and hadith scholar.
• Alexia Putellas — Shared historical date (02-04 · Born) (1994): One of the greatest female footballers, known for her midfield brilliance and success with Barcelona and Spain.
• Bertrand Russell — Shared historical date (05-18 · Born) (1872): Pioneering philosopher and logician, known for analytic thought and social commentary.
• Chow Yun-fat — Shared historical date (05-18 · Born) (1955): Versatile Hong Kong actor celebrated for action roles and dramatic depth.
• 1869 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1869
• February 4 (02-04) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on February 4
• 1928 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1928
• May 18 (05-18) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on May 18