Radical History Blog

Born today in 1881, Crystal Eastman is likely the most important radical you’ve never heard of.

Tom Paine, who died on June 8th 1809, was a wonderful radical exported from England to America - much to our loss! First Sunderland Bridge completed in 1796 by Thomas Paine.

Wat Tyler, leader of the Peasants' Revolt, was murdered by the Crown today, 15th June, in 1381. His death is the founding sacrifice in the radical history of England. Image source: Wikimedia Commons Today in 1381, a lion was killed by snakes.

Today is the anniversary of the Merthyr Rising in South Wales, an all too familiar story of an oppressed people who’d simply had enough. Merthyr Tydfil by French artist Alphonse Dousseau (between 1830 and 1869).

Born today in 1868, James Connolly is the founding figure of the modern Irish Left. James Connolly Memorial in Dublin, Ireland In Britain it was , in America it was . In Ireland, it was James Connolly.

Walt Whitman, born 31st May in 1819, rendered the ordinary magnificent. A poet and a humanist, his vision of culture was free from snobbery and open to all.

Last week we donated $1,000 to Feeding America, which they tell us has paid for 10,000 meals for Americans struggling right now. We've also been supporting a Kenyan girl's higher education, in memory of a friend of Radical Tea Towel.

The radical abolitionist, John Brown, was born 220 years ago today. The execution of John Brown (Image: The New York Public Library) Made famous by his leadership of the fateful in 1859, John Brown has become somewhat synonymous with futile courage.

The General Strike of 1926 began 94 years ago, showing the immense power which belongs to workers when they come together and fight for the world they deserve. Unity is strength. Never has this been clearer than during the General Strike of 1926.

With Mother’s Day fast approaching, remember the radical part played by moms in the story of the United States. Fatherhood has been written into the American story with an energy like no other.