Eugene Debs and the Progressive Era
Eugene Debs had an important role during the Progressive Era in American history due to his creation of the American Railway Union. He was recognized for his devotion, dedication and determination by putting tireless work for 20 years into his successful union. Debs was a strong image for the working class, for he showed that anything and everything was possible. Eugene
Debs deserves a place in history due to his motivation, preparation and accomplishments during the Progressive Era.
Motivation
Eugene Debs had such great motivation to inspire the working class, which is one of the reasons he is a significant figure during this time. Debs motivation for his greatness during this era was produced by his early …show more content…
This would allow him to obtain a leadership role, which he successfully fulfilled in his very own railway union. “Debs found a union that would include all railroad workers, the American Railway Union in 1893.” (“Eugene Victor Debs” 1999).
Accomplishments
The many accomplishments Debs had achieved played a big role in his significance as an important figure during this time period. Since the railroads played a very major role during the
Progressive Era and allowed America to expand, his very own railway union allowed more goods and people to be transported. Debs also helped form the Socialist Party of America, (now
EUGENE DEBS AND THE PROGRESSIVE ERA 4 known as the Socialist Party), and was also a five-time nominee for president because of his major role of taking leadership.
“Three years later a tentative combination was made with the faction of the Socialist Labor party that had seceded in 1899, and Debs, as the fusion candidate for president, polled 96,116 votes,”
(“Eugene Victor Debs” 1936). After he had a falling out with Pullman and the Socialist Party, he was able to accomplishment many different boycotts and movements as well. Debs was also able to publish a book about prison conditions, which opened the eyes to many U.S. citizens to