Thanks for the heads up.
FYI -- Willich considered himself a communist but not a Marxist. Confusing for most of us, I know, but left sectarianism has always been a thing...
You are right, Lt. Vail. There was actually no such thing as a Marxist in 1865. That term was first coined in 1885, after Marx's death. Willich himself was a radical communist in Europe, to the left of Marx. The two worked together in 1847-48, but ended up despising each other. When Willich moved to America in 1853, he immediately realized that Communism was not a realistic goal in the US. He became a strong advocate for organized labor and developed his own concept of what I would call democratic socialism, advocating for extensive reform within the system. His vision was a worker's republic where the legislative branch would be replaced by trade associations and that the workers themselves would control the fruits of their labor. This came to naught in his lifetime, but over the long term, "radical" socialist 19th century ideas like an eight-hour work day, child labor laws, worker's comp insurance, Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid became mainstream public policy in the 20th century. Willich's real talents shined in the military arena, as a fearless and peerless leader, innovator, and tactician. He lead from the front and his coolness and nimbleness under fire was remarkable. That said, he was a second-rate philosopher and a downright lousy politician. I found his life story, however, irresistible.
