This issue of The Masses, Vol. IX, No. 12, published in October 1917, is marked by its intense criticism of the American government’s actions during World War I. A central theme revolves around the suppression of free speech, particularly in regards to socialist publications such as The Masses itself.
The magazine takes issue with the US District Attorney’s decision to contest a court order that allowed Tur Masses to be mailed legally. The editorial denounces this action as evidence of an unjust government that seeks to suppress revolutionary ideologies, contradicting its commitment to constitutional principles.
Another significant topic is the war itself and the sentimentality that surrounds it. Max Eastman, one of the magazine’s contributors, argues against the war’s religious-like fervor, viewing it as a cause for intellectual decay and bigotry rather than unity and progress. The issue also touches upon the ongoing struggle between labor and industry, with pieces discussing strikes and the treatment of workers in various sectors.
Overall, this issue reflects The Masses’ continued commitment to advocating for free speech, socialism, and progressive ideals amidst the tumultuous backdrop of World War I.