The Communist Party, USA was formed on September 1, 1919 in Chicago, Illinois as a result of a split in the Socialist Party of America. Left-wing socialists, unionists, intellectuals, and individuals with no previous political affiliations were inspired by the Russian Revolution in 1917 and joined together to form the Communist Party. Almost immediately, the Party came under attack by the US government, culminating in the infamous "Palmer Raids" (named after then Attorney General A. Mitchell Palmer) in the early 1920's. However, this repression failed in its aim to destroy the Party.

During the 1930's, the CPUSA was heavily involved in the struggles of the people which arose during the Depression. Communists advocated for unemployment insurance, the right to organize, and for Social Security. Our Party was instrumental in the establishment of the Social Security system, and also achieved success in organizing unions affiliated with the CIO in particular, the Steelworkers' union.

Communists also played an important role in the struggle against Nazism and fascism. Party members were involved in organizing the now legendary Abraham Lincoln Brigades which fought in Spain alongside people from all lands in the struggle to defeat the fascist Francisco Franco. Many Party members lost their lives in this valiant effort. During World War II, thousands of Party members served in the US military as the world sought, successfully, to rid itself of Hitler, Mussolini, Tojo and the various strains of fascism which they represented.

The late 1940's and 1950's saw a period of official, US government repression against Communists, Socialists, and other dissenters (or individuals believed to be dissenters). This period, which gave rise to what is today called "McCarthyism," resulted in the unlawful detention, persecution, of Communist Party leaders and members. Many national and regional leaders of the Party were imprisoned following convictions under the infamous Smith Act for "conspiring to teach and advocate the overthrow of the US government." NOTE: No leader or member of the Communist Party was EVER charged or convicted for actually advocating the overthrow of the US government. The convictions were for "conspiring to teach…" which means "thinking about teaching." In effect, Party leaders were convicted for advocating a social doctrine, Marxism-Leninism, and not for any criminal conduct. The convictions were later overturned by the Supreme Court.

The mass upsurges of the 1960's and the growing opposition to the war in Vietnam saw a new acceptance of the Communist Party. Communist Party leaders were widely sought at speakers on college campuses across the nation, and the Party experienced new growth. During the 1970's and 1980's, Communists were active in struggles on numerous fronts, including the anti-war and peace movements. The Party fielded candidates for President and Vice President in 1972, 1976, 1980 and 1984. We were also active in mobilizing against the extensive period of Reagan-Bush reaction, and an unprecedented anti-union assault and military buildup during these Administrations.

Today, the Party is experiencing an almost historic growth in support and new members, particularly through the Internet. Communist candidates for local political office have won their seats, or received positive response to their candidacies. No one can challenge that, today, the Communist Party is one of the fastest-growing, most active, vital and vibrant forces on the US left.