Document Type

Thesis

Date of Degree Completion

Summer 2014

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

History

Committee Chair

Stephen Moore

Second Committee Member

Karen Blair

Third Committee Member

Daniel Herman

Abstract

This thesis examines the volatile political and social contexts surrounding the January 1940 murder of labor activist Laura Law on Grays Harbor, Washington. Through an analysis of conflicts within the organized labor movement, anti-labor and anti-communist groups, and the expanding spheres of activity of women's auxiliaries in the community, this study argues that each of these factors played a significant part in the creation of an extremely dangerous atmosphere for militant unionists in the community. This thesis further argues that Laura Law and her husband, Dick Law, occupied the center of Grays Harbor's radical labor community, and thus were targeted by elements that opposed its expanding power. The antecedents of these conflicts are also discussed.

Comments

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