Marxism and the U.S.A.

In his new book, Alan Woods examines the broad sweep of American history from a Marxist perspective.

Many Americans view the ideas of socialism and Marxism with suspicion and distrust. In Marxism and the U.S.A., the author shows that these ideas are not at all foreign to the history and traditions of the American people. There are many inspiring examples throughout U.S history which graphically illustrate this. From the revolutionary struggle of the colonists against British rule to the war against slavery, Americans can be proud of their militant and democratic traditions. The heroic struggles of working people for the eight-hour day and the great wave of sit-down strikes in the 1930s offer many lessons for today\'s workers and youth.

Today there is an immense polarization of wealth in the U.S. between the extremely rich and the extremely poor. The years of boom have come to an end. In spite of its immense power, U.S. capitalism has entered a phase of terminal decline along with the rest of the world. This is reflected in the questioning by many ordinary working Americans of the society they live in. The ideas of Marxism can explain why society finds itself in this impasse and also offer a way out to American workers and youth.

The American people and above all the American working class have a great revolutionary tradition. On the basis of great historical events they are destined to rediscover these traditions and to stand once more in the front line of the revolution as they did in 1776 and 1861. The future of the entire world ultimately depends on this perspective. And although today it may seem very far off, it is not so incredible as one might think.

Marxism and the U.S.A. will serve as an introduction to the rich revolutionary history of the United States.