Emma Goldman Research Paper

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Emma Goldman, born in June of 1869, was an anarchist who was well known for her speeches, political activism, and writing during her time. Goldman immigrated to the United States from Lithuania (apart of Russia at the time) at the age of sixteen years old, and joined the anarchist movement when she was about twenty years old. By the time Goldman had been deported from the United States, she had a reputation that was created around her public speaking skills and bravery, women’s rights for birth control, and the rights for the working class citizens. When she came into contact with political activists and organizers, her interest in radical politics blossomed. A life changing moment for Goldman took place in 1886, when eight anarchist radicals…show more content…
Goldman was not a pacifist, however she did not believe in the government’s right to wage war. When the United States went into war in 1917, she was considered a threat to national security and spent 18 months in a federal prison. When released, she was then arrested again and was made eligible for deportation under the 1918 Alien Act. Although Goldman’s actions were extreme and went against federal laws, she should not have been deported because the government did not agree with her beliefs and/or personal opinions. According to the Jewish Women’s Archive, Emma Goldman is considered a “Woman of Valor.” She was convinced that the social order of the United States was corrupt so she supported anarchism in the hopes that it would bring liberty, true social justice, and harmony to society. For many decades of her life, she struggled fighting against widespread inequality. One of her most popular quotes, “I want freedom, the right to self-expression, everybody’s right to beautiful, radiant things,” briefly explains few of her beliefs as a “radical”…show more content…
As stated in the article, Emma Goldman became an advocate of freedom of expression, sexual freedom, birth control, and independence for all women all while being gifted in the writing area as well as a “fiery orator” .2 Goldman’s ideas and beliefs, many of which were strongly disliked by mainstream America, created a strong feeling of mutual enmity between her and political authorities during this time. Although many would agree that Goldman was considered a “hostile” individual, many of her beliefs originated from Jewish traditions. She carried her experiences with her from the previous life she lived in Russia, using her immigration to the United States to prepare for her analysis of political and economic problems. According to an article, she was known for being “exceedingly dangerous”- commonly known as one of the two most dangerous anarchists in America- she was often harassed and arrested in the midst of her lectures and even banned from speaking in some special cases . Due to her insistence on sharing her beliefs with the world, Goldman can often times be recognized as a symbol of the beginning of Freedom of Speech in the United States. Goldman’s career can be well known as an important portion in the history of Jewish activism in America and all of her actions have made her legacy

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