The International Working Men's Association (1864‐1876) and Workers’ Education: An Historical Approach

Abstract

The International Working Men's Association (IWMA) (1864‐1876), also known as the First International, presented itself as an association wanting to implement a grand design, a blueprint for a new type of society, classless and socialist. As a matter of course, education was one of the topics IWMA addressed. Young people needed mental, bodily and technological training in order to develop into well‐balanced individuals. The introduction of the eight‐hour working day was a precondition for the introduction of the type of education called for at IWMA congresses. But since much child labor (then and now) was dangerous, unhealthy and physically exhausting, the IWMA sought to outlaw such excessive labor, and to extend educational opportunities. These questions were discussed at IWMA congresses between 1866 and 1869, but the International had insufficient influence to effect such changes, and instead urged workers to create and manage their own educational facilities.