Norman Thomas

Norman Thomas speaking at an outdoor STFU meeting

Norman Mattoon Thomas (November 20, 1884 – December 19, 1968) was an American Presbyterian minister who became a prominent socialist, pacifist, and six-time presidential candidate for the Socialist Party of America.

Early Life and Education

Norman Thomas was born in Marion, Ohio, to Emma Williams (née Mattoon) and Weddington Evans Thomas, a Presbyterian minister. Thomas grew up in a religious and politically progressive environment. He attended Princeton University, where he became involved in the social gospel movement, which applied Christian ethics to social problems such as poverty, inequality, and labor exploitation.

After graduating from Princeton in 1905, Thomas attended Union Theological Seminary in New York City, where he deepened his commitment to social justice and pacifism. During this period, Thomas also worked at settlement houses in New York City, which provided various services to immigrants and the poor.

Political Career

Thomas's political views shifted towards socialism during World War I, largely due to his opposition to the war and his belief that it served capitalist interests at the expense of workers. In 1918, he joined the Socialist Party of America and quickly emerged as a leading voice within the party.

Thomas ran for office as a Socialist Party candidate multiple times, including for the New York State Assembly and the Mayor of New York City. However, he is best known for his six consecutive bids for the Presidency of the United States from 1928 to 1948. Despite never winning a significant share of the vote, Thomas's campaigns were influential in promoting socialist ideas and advocating for civil liberties, social welfare programs, and an end to racial segregation.

Pacifism and Civil Rights

A committed pacifist, Thomas was an outspoken critic of both World War I and World War II, although he later supported the war against Nazi Germany on moral grounds. He was a co-founder of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and played a significant role in the peace movement throughout his life.

Thomas also advocated for civil rights and was involved in the early stages of the Civil Rights Movement. He was a supporter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and worked towards desegregation and voting rights for African Americans.

Legacy

Norman Thomas's legacy is marked by his unwavering commitment to socialism, pacifism, and civil rights. Although he never held elected office, his ideas and advocacy influenced American politics and social movements. Today, he is remembered as a key figure in the history of American socialism and the broader struggle for social justice.