The idea of Socialism emerged as a reaction to the Industrial Revolution in the middle-to-late 19th century. A new field of work had developed, creating jobs and sparking a large migration from rural to urban areas. Unfortunately, these new jobs came with new concerns for the workforce, such as child labor, unsafe conditions, unregulated hours, and unfair wages. Within time, new groups formed and rallied against these issues. With a fight, child labor laws, public education, the 40­-hour work week, and the minimum wage were created.

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“This was a time in American history where Socialist policies were not only needed, but celebrated.”

This was a time in American history where Socialist policies were not only needed, but celebrated. These laws upheld the rights of working-class people for the first time in history. Before this time, the working-class did not easily have access to education, choices in employment, or even leisure time.

Socialism changed everything.

Americans warmed up to the idea of Socialism during Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s presidency. FDR was elected in the midst of the Great Depression, and it was clear that social programming was essential to the lives of millions of Americans.

FDR’s New Deal increased federal unemployment benefits and further regulated business practice, resulting in fairer wages, maximum work hours, and more. Sound familiar? The New Deal also passed the Glass­-Steagall Act of 1933, which separated commercial and investment banking. The Act was repealed in 1999, which many believe led to the 2008 recession.

In the mid-20th century, the term 'Socialist' became tarnished in the United States. Communist activity in enemy countries such as the Soviet Union, Korea, and Cuba led to a series of events called the Red Scare. There was a belief that the US would eventually be overthrown by Communists. Many who were not even affiliated with Socialism or Communism were accused of being un-­American and threatened with imprisonment or deportation.

The Red Scare completely changed most American attitudes about Socialism, making it no longer associated with equality and social justice, but synonymous with war, dictators, and lack of freedom.

Just as Socialism made a resurgence after the Great Depression, there has been new interest sparked by the 2008 Recession. During President Barack Obama’s administration, the Affordable Care Act was passed, allowing people of all work and income levels access to health insurance. Obama has also vocalized his desire to make community college free, a century after public education was made available.

Today, presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders is a self­-proclaimed Democratic Socialist who strives to push the country’s political agenda toward Socialist policies. Some of Sanders’ beliefs include free single­-payer healthcare, free public college, a livable (not minimum) wage, paid parental leave, and more. These are many of the concepts introduced in the 19th century, but tweaked to better suit 21st century needs.

Socialism is still a bad word in many circles, but many have begun to embrace the idea. By looking at the ways in which Socialism has positively affected America throughout history, and its success worldwide, it’s hard to look at it the same way people did the in 1950s. Socialism has gone through many reputations, but it’s important to remember that at its core, Socialism represents progress.