This issue of The Masses, Vol. VI, No. 1, published in October 1914, centers on the tumultuous events unfolding across Europe due to World War I. The magazine serves as a platform for socialist voices, offering critiques and analysis of the ongoing conflict and its impact on various societies.
The main theme that permeates the issue is a call for international solidarity among socialists in light of the war. Articles discuss the divisions within the German Socialist Party, with one group supporting the credit of the German government and the war as defensive, while another group remains genuinely anti-militarist. The magazine highlights this latter faction as the true representatives of German Socialism, emphasizing their revolutionary potential.
Another recurring theme is the exploration of propaganda and lies employed by governments to justify their actions during wartime. The issue addresses the importance of armies having an unfailing supply of lies in order to dehumanize enemies, presenting them as barbaric and deserving of violence. This critique underscores the magazine’s commitment to truthful reporting and its stance against war profiteering.
Lastly, the issue touches upon social and political changes occurring in different countries, such as Finland, where people’s attitudes have shifted significantly due to the conflict. The magazine showcases these transformations, providing insight into the broader implications of World War I on various societies across Europe.