2014 is the 150th anniversary of the foundation of the International Working Men’s Association in 1864. It is also the 125th anniversary of the foundation of the Socialist International in 1889, and the centenary of the outbreak of the war which precipitated the collapse of that International.

To mark these anniversaries, UEA School of History, in conjunction with the journal Socialist History and the Institute of Working Class History (Chicago) are organising a conference on “Workers’ internationalism before 1914”. We are inviting proposals for papers on any aspect of the subject.

Themes might include:
- the historical experience of the internationals and their affiliated organisations
- cross-border labour organisation
- resistance to nationalist politics in multi-national states
- transnational and international solidarity
- migration and the transplantation of labour movement culture
- international causes celèbres
- political asylum and revolutionary exile
- speaking tours of socialist leaders

We are seeking papers of 5000 to 10000 words on various experiences or aspects of workers’ internationalism before 1914, to be presented at the seminar. Selected papers will be published in 2014 in a special issue of Socialist History devoted to the subject.

Enquiries and proposals for papers should be submitted by 1 October 2013 to internationalism1914@gmail.com. Attendance at the conference will be free of charge.