Farrell Dobbs American Trotskyist, National Secretary of the Socialist Labor Party Date of Birth: 25.07.1907 Country: USA

1. Early Life and Political Awakening
2. Labor Activism and Trotskyism
3. Socialist Workers Party
4. Party Leadership and Presidential Runs
5. Cuba and Retirement

Early Life and Political Awakening

Farrell Dobbs was born in Queen City, Missouri, into a coal miner's family. After graduating from North High School in Minneapolis in 1925, he relocated to North Dakota in search of work, but eventually returned home. Initially a conservative Republican, Dobbs's political views shifted during the Great Depression.

Labor Activism and Trotskyism

In 1933, Dobbs joined the truck drivers' union while working for the Pittsburgh Coal Company in Minneapolis. Through acquaintances with the Dunns brothers, Miles, Vincent, and Grant, and Swedish socialist Karl Skoglund, he became involved with the Communist League of America. Dobbs became a key figure in organizing the Minneapolis truckers' strike of 1934 and served as a union organizer on a part-time basis.

Socialist Workers Party

In 1939, Dobbs left the union to work for the newly formed Socialist Workers Party. He met Leon Trotsky in person shortly before Trotsky's assassination in 1940. In 1941, Dobbs was arrested with other SWP and truck union leaders for violating the Smith Act.

Party Leadership and Presidential Runs

Upon his release from prison, Dobbs became the editor of the SWP newspaper, "The Militant." In 1953, he succeeded J.P. Cannon as the party's National Secretary. Dobbs ran as the SWP's presidential candidate in 1948, 1952, 1956, and 1960.

Cuba and Retirement

In 1960, Dobbs and Joseph Hansen visited Cuba and came to support the Cuban Revolution. In 1972, Dobbs retired from active political activity but remained a party member.