This issue of The Masses, Vol. IX, No. 7, published in May 1917, showcases the socialist magazine’s critical stance towards the impending World War I. Amidst growing nationalism and patriotism, The Masses offers an alternative perspective by questioning the motives behind war and its impact on democracy and social progress.
One of the main themes in this issue is the debate over war and its implications for the capitalist system. An interview with Charles Edward Russell, a former Socialist candidate for President, discusses the inevitability of war under capitalism and advocates for letting the capitalist state destroy itself through war’s logical conclusion. The magazine also criticizes the suppression of free speech and the rise of the military state as inevitable results of wartime conditions.
Another significant topic in this issue is the role of art, particularly that of Isadora Duncan, in contemporary society. An article humorously satirizes Duncan’s attempts to establish her revolutionary dance art in America, suggesting that it might eventually be accepted and even co-opted by mainstream culture. This piece underscores The Masses’ interest in exploring the relationship between art, politics, and social change.
Overall, this issue of The Masses offers a critical examination of war, capitalism, and the role of art in shaping society during a time of great upheaval and national crisis. By questioning dominant narratives and offering alternative viewpoints, the magazine solidifies its position as a voice for socialist thought and dissent in the early 20th century.