Eugene V. Debs was born on November 5, 1855 in Terre Haute, Indiana. He was one of five children born to Marguerite Mari Bettrich Debs and Jean Daniel Debs, immigrants from Colmar, Alsace. Debs dropped out of high school at the age of 14 and went to work in the Vandalia railroad car shops in Terre Haute.
Debs worked as a painter and car cleaner before becoming involved in labor organizing. In 1893, he helped found the American Railway Union (ARU), which quickly grew to include over 150,000 members. Debs was elected president of the ARU and led successful strikes against the Great Northern Railway and the Pullman Company.
Debs' experiences with the ARU led him to become a strong advocate for the rights of laborers. In 1905, he helped found the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW), an organization dedicated to uniting all workers in a single union.
Debs ran for President of the United States five times as a candidate of the Socialist Party, advocating for workers' rights, social justice, and an end to capitalism. His campaigns were often met with resistance from the political establishment, but Debs remained committed to his beliefs.
One of Debs' most famous speeches was delivered in 1918, when he spoke out against World War I and the draft. As a result of his anti-war stance, Debs was arrested and sentenced to ten years in prison. While in prison, he ran for President again in 1920 and received nearly one million votes.
Eugene V. Debs passed away on October 20, 1926 in Elmhurst, Illinois. Despite facing opposition and persecution for his beliefs, Debs never wavered in his commitment to fighting for the rights of working people. His legacy as a labor leader, activist, and champion of social justice continues to inspire generations of Americans.
Debs was married to his wife, Kate Metzel, and together they lived a modest life dedicated to their shared values. He believed in the power of collective action and the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of adversity.
Debs' impact on the labor movement and American politics cannot be overstated. His efforts to organize workers and advocate for their rights laid the foundation for the labor movement in the United States. Eugene V. Debs will always be remembered as a tireless fighter for justice and equality.