Emma Goldman Accomplishments

“If I can't dance, I don’t want to be part of your revolution,” said Emma Goldman. She was a prominent anarchist and feminist in the 19th and 20th centuries, known for her dedication to social justice and free speech in the United States. Born in Lithuania in 1869, Goldman immigrated to the United States at the age of 16. Two years after living with her half-sisters in New York City, Goldman married Jacob, Kershner. They divorced that same year, 1887, resulting in her moving out of her sister's home. Goldman quickly became involved in political movements. One of the first protests she participated in was the Homestead Strike. Later in 1919, she was deported along with 247 anarchists to the soviet union for speaking out against the military

A time when there were many issues such as workers’ rights and women's suffrage. Her speeches provided a powerful voice for those who felt criticized or unheard. An example of this includes Goldman’s first arrest in 1893 for the Homestead Steel Strike. Many of the speeches and riots were held in New York. Goldman used her platform to challenge the dominant social and political norms of her time. Leon Czolgosz, who shot President William Mckinley, claimed his actions were influenced by one of Goldman’s speeches. These claims got Goldman arrested. Goldman refused to take accountability for a man who misinterpreted her words. When investigators found no evidence on her, she was released after being detained for two weeks. Goldman’s actions were to create a more just and equal society. She saw the injustice for the disadvantaged across the United States once she immigrated. She believed that people should be free to make their own decisions about their lives, rather than being constrained by social norms, religious doctrine, or political systems. She fought for the rights of disadvantaged workers. She fought for the right to organize and strike. Goldman drew the eye of the government when she spoke against the military draft for World War I. Goldman and Berkman were charged with conspiracy to oppose the government and violating the Espionage Act. They were found guilty and served two years in