Inventory of the Communist League of America (Opposition) papers, 1929-1935

Abstract

The Communist League of America (CLA) was founded in 1929 by James P. Cannon, Max Schachtman, and Martin Abern following their expulsion in 1928 from the Workers (Communist) Party. In 1934 the CLA merged with the American Workers Party to form the Workers Party of the United States.

Collection contains correspondence, memoranda, internal party bulletins, financial reports and other documents relating to the activities of the Communist League of America.

Descriptive Summary

Repository: David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University
Creator: Communist League of America (Opposition)
Title: Communist League of America (Opposition) papers, 1929-1935
Language of Material: English
Extent: 0.2 Linear Feet, 72 Items
Location: For current information on the location of these materials, please consult the Library's online catalog.

Series Quick Links

Communist League of America (Opposition) papers, 1929-1935

Collection Overview

Collection contains letters, memoranda, internal party bulletins, financial reports, and other documents relating to the activities of the Communist League of America (Opposition) and the publication of its newspaper, The Militant. Includes correspondence between James P. Cannon and Martin Abern and other party organizers including S. Gendelman in New Haven, Connecticut.

Administrative Information

A majority of collections are stored off site and must be requested at least 24 business hours in advance for retrieval. Contact Rubenstein Library staff before visiting. Read More »

Access Restrictions

Collection is open for research.

However, collection may contain materials to which the Acknowledgment of Legal Responsibilities and Privacy Rights form applies. Patrons must sign this form before using this collection.

Also, all or portions of this collection may be housed off-site in Duke University's Library Service Center. Consequently, there may be a 24-hour delay in obtaining these materials.

Please contact Research Services staff before visiting the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library to use this collection.

Use Restrictions

The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to Duke University. For more information, consult the copyright section of the Regulations and Procedures of the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library.

Contents of the Collection

Browse List of Series

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Communist League of America (Opposition) papers, 1929-1935

(1 box)

Papers, February 1929-June 1934

Box 1 Folder 1

Papers, July 1934-July 1935

Box 1 Folder 2

Resolutions and minutes, 1935 and undated

Box 1 Folder 3

Historical Note

The Communist League of America (Opposition) (CLA) was founded in 1929 by James P. Cannon, Max Schachtman, and Martin Abern following their 1928 expulsion from the Workers Party for fostering the International Left Opposition associated with Leon Trotsky. Cannon, Schachtman, and Abern likened Trotsky's attack on intra-party bureaucratism in the Russian Communist Party to similar trends in the American party. The League was formally established in May 1929 at a Founding Conference held in Chicago. CLA membership never exceeded 200 members and in 1934 the party merged with A.J. Muste's American Workers party to form the Workers Party of the United States. The group also published a party newspaper, The Militant.

Subject Headings

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