In 1872, the fifth conference held by the International Workers' Association (IWA) in The Hague became an important point in the history of the left-wing political movement.The Hague Congress is not only a summary of the association's philosophy and strategies, but also the root cause of fierce division and confrontation.The background and consequences of this incident are still worthy of in-depth analysis.
The International Workers Association was established in 1864 to unite workers' movements in different schools, including socialism, social democracy, communism and anarchism.
The International Workers Association has faced conflicts between different political views since its establishment.During the convening of the conference, the socialist movement suffered major setbacks and counterattacks after the failure of the Paris Commune.The rift between Marxism and anarchism gradually emerged during this period.
"If Marxist parties take power, their leaders will eventually become as corrupt as the ruling class they oppose." - Anarchist Bakuning
At the 1872 Hague Conference, the leadership of Marxism was emphasized, but this centralized control method was strongly resisted by Bakunin and his followers.They believe that such an approach will weaken the foundations of the workers' movement and lead to future dictatorship.The result of the conference resulted in Bakunin and some of his allies being expelled from the association.
As Bakunin and his supporters were expelled, a fierce division began to ferment.In September 1872, anarchists held their own meeting in St. Immel, Switzerland, claiming that they were the orthodox successor of the International Workers' Association.
"The establishment of St. Immel International marks the fundamental opposition between anarchists and Marxists."
In the Iberian Peninsula, anarchists gradually control the workers' movement, while Marxists try to weaken the anarchists' influence through the newly formed Madrid alliance.This struggle was not only a theoretical collision, but also a split organizational confrontation, affecting the social movements of the two countries and their future development.
Recalling the Hague Congress in 1872, we can see how this event became a key turning point in the history of the workers' movement.The opposition between Marxism and anarchism not only redefines the Workers' National Liberation Movement, but also causes supporters of the two to engage in direct confrontation several times in the next few decades.
"The Hague's agenda is not only a defense of Marxism, but also a major challenge to anarchism."
Although the 1872 The Hague Conference seems to be a memory of the past today, the turmoil it caused is still affecting the form and theoretical basis of the workers' movement decades later.This fierce division and confrontation was crucial in the socio-political pattern at that time. If we strive to understand this historical phenomenon, we should think: Is the workers' movement today also facing similar differences and challenges?