What is Anarchism? Liberty's Great Refusal (S2E1)

Anarchism emerged not simply as a theory, but as a response to hunger, repression, industrial capitalism, and the growing power of the modern state.In this opening episode of Season 2, we trace anarchism's roots in the late nineteenth century, from the aftermath of the Paris Commune to the labor struggles of industrial Chicago.Through figures like Louise Michel, Lucy Parsons, Pierre-Joseph Proudhon, Mikhail Bakunin, and Peter Kropotkin, we explore how anarchism evolved from a critique of authority into a mass movement rooted in strikes, unions, and collective action.Along the way, we examine the origins of the black flag, the rise of anarcho-syndicalism and anarchist communism, and the radical vision that inspired workers across the globe to imagine a world beyond capitalism and the state.This is the story of anarchism’s great refusal.This is Season Two—The Age of Anarchism: Chicago and the American Labor RevoltNext: Chicago 1877: The Great Railroad StrikeWritten and produced by Matt Payne.Support, Subscribe, Read on Substack: https://ismhistorypodcast.substack.com/Original Musical Compositions by Ian Payne: https://www.jamesianpayne.com/Support the Show: PayPalContact: [email protected] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ismhistorypodcast.substack.com