Origins & Early Life

Voltairine de Cleyre (; née De Claire; November 17, 1866 – June 20, 1912) was an American anarchist feminist writer and public speaker. Born into extreme poverty in Michigan, de Cleyre taught herself how to read and write, and became a lover of poetry. She was educated at a Catholic convent, which improved her literary and linguistic capabilities, but also influenced her turn towards anti-theism and anti-authoritarianism. After graduating, de Cleyre began her activist career in the freethought movement, lecturing around the country and writing for a number of rationalist publications.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Drawn towards socialism and individualist anarchism, she converted fully to anarchism in the wake of the Haymarket affair, which radicalized her against the state and capitalism. She moved to Philadelphia, where she lived for most of her adult life and taught many of the city's Jewish anarchists. By the late 1890s, de Cleyre was a leading figure in the American anarchist movement, regularly speaking at events, writing for publications and organizing anarchist groups. She also went on a lecture tour of the United Kingdom, during which she was introduced to Spanish anarchists, who influenced her adoption...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

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

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Beatrix Potter — Contemporary (Born in 1866) (1866): Pioneering author and illustrator celebrated for natural history and children's literature.
• Benedetto Croce — Contemporary (Born in 1866) (1866): Italian idealist philosopher, historian, and political liberal.
• Bernhard Riemann — Contemporary (Died in 1866) (1866): Pioneering mathematician whose work shaped modern analysis, geometry, and number theory.
• Alan Turing — Contemporary (Born in 1912) (1912): Father of theoretical computer science, known for the Turing machine and codebreaking.
• Alfredo Stroessner — Contemporary (Born in 1912) (1912): Paraguayan military dictator who ruled from 1954 to 1989, known for repression.
• August Strindberg — Contemporary (Died in 1912) (1912): Pioneering Swedish literary figure, playwright, and essayist of the late 19th century.
• Abba Eban — Shared historical date (11-17 · Died) (2002): Israeli diplomat, politician, and scholar of Arabic and Hebrew languages.
• Auguste Rodin — Shared historical date (11-17 · Died) (1917): Founder of modern sculpture, celebrated for naturalism and emotional depth.
• Adam Ferguson — Shared historical date (06-20 · Born) (1723): Scottish philosopher, historian, and 'father of modern sociology'.
• Amos Tutuola — Shared historical date (06-20 · Born) (1920): Pioneering Nigerian author blending Yoruba folklore with modern literary forms.
• 1866 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1866
• November 17 (11-17) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on November 17
• 1912 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1912
• June 20 (06-20) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on June 20