Emma Goldman

Question 1

Goldman’s view on equality

Answer 1

Goldman was involved in numerous social causes

Campaigned for the emancipation (freedom) of women and the tolerance of homosexuality

Championed the idea of free love

Believed to be a pioneer of feminist philosophy - others call her the first anarchist feminist due to her merging the anarchist ideals with women’s rights

Question 2

Goldman’s participation in the 1936-37 Spanish Civil War

Answer 2

During civil war, involved in creating some anarchist communities in Spain

Communes were short-lived, but genuine realisation of anarchist ideals

Question 3

How did Goldman inspire people to join anarchist cause

Answer 3

Created the term ‘Propaganda by the Deed” = direct action being exemplary to others, serving as a catalyst to revolution

Commune during spanish civil war being direct action

Increased engagement in acts of violence against the state and capitalist institutions

This attempt to prove practical anarchism was realistic won Goldman a few followers but was not a main focus

Question 4

Goldman’s main focus

Answer 4

Main work was to expose the exploitation within capitalism, the oppressive nature of the state and the need for a violent revolution to bring them both down

Rejected political reform, arguing like Bakunin, the exercise of power corrupts people

Therefore, any system of power needs to be abolished

Her philosophy on the whole was very negative

Question 5

What did Goldman view as the main enemy

Answer 5

People should view the state as their main enemy, and that the state and capitalism work hand-in-hand

Role of the state was to exploit ordinary people and trick them into obedience with power

Even left-wing politicians couldn’t be trusted due to their alliances with others in power, such alliances keep workers weak and oppressed

Question 6

Goldman’s view on those who hindered individual liberty

Answer 6

Raged against all enemies of individual liberty

Therefore criticised the modern state, religion, nationalism, Marxism, capitalism, patriarchy and all forms of bigotry

Question 7

Goldman’s main contribution to anarchism

Answer 7

Communicated anarchism’s key ideas with clarity + energy

Made the connection between anarchism and the complete emancipation of the individual clear

Offered her follower hope by promising that the exploitation of an individual by another individual would be replaced by mutual love that would bring about an end to oppression