ProQuest history vault. Americans for Democratic Action records, 1932-1999

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Summary

"At a conference of prominent American liberals and labor leaders held in New York City on May 9-10, 1941, the Union for Democratic Action (UDA) was formally organized. The purpose of the new organ...

"At a conference of prominent American liberals and labor leaders held in New York City on May 9-10, 1941, the Union for Democratic Action (UDA) was formally organized. The purpose of the new organization was to initiate a two-front fight against fascism, both at home and abroad. After World War II and the November 1946 elections, James Loeb Jr., national director of UDA, joined by Leon Henderson, Wilson W. Wyatt, Hubert H. Humphrey, and others, called for a convention of democratic progressives to meet in Washington, D.C., on January 4, 1947. Two days later, they formed Americans for Democratic Action (ADA). The ADA established itself as a strong national, independent, liberal organization based on American tradition. It proclaimed itself to be an organization for progressive individuals dedicated to the achievement of freedom and economic security for all people everywhere, through education and democratic action. The Americans for Democratic Action Records trace the evolution of the organization as it supported civil rights, the united international control of atomic energy, and global democracy. The collection contains records of campaigns on vital issues such as equal rights, disarmament, the Vietnam War, inflation, and unemployment."--Publisher's description.

Organized into nine separate series: UDA Administrative File, 1932-1951; ADA Administrative File, 1946-1965; ADA Chapter File, 1943-1965; ADA Convention File, 1947-1965; ADA Legislative File, 1946-1964; ADA Political File, 1944-1964; ADA Public Relations File, 1936-1965; ADA Campus Division File, 1939-1965; and ADA Serials, 1947-1973. These series are organized topically and chronologically. Document types include a vast array of administrative papers, including memos, meeting minutes, and internal reports, as well as correspondence, printed material, press releases, and, in the final series, copies of ADA World and the ADA Legislative Newsletter serials.

Upon completion, this database will contain materials from parts 1-6 (1932-1999) of the archival collection, "Americans for Democratic Action Records, 1932-2011" housed at the Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin. It does not include the photographs or audio/visual materials that are part of the physical collection.

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