No Gods, No Masters: A History of Anarchism

Part 1: The Passion for Destruction (1840–1906)

This episode of NO GODS NO MASTERS shows how anarchism emerged from the horrendous social conditions facing workers at a time when industrialization was, paradoxically, providing better hygiene and social standards – for some. In an era in which the life expectancy of workers was 30 years—most of those spent in misery—it is no surprise that new approaches would arise. Tracing the history of early anarchist thought from Pierre-Joseph Proudhon, who declared that property is theft, to Mikhail Bakunin, who advocated violent revolution to destroy the state completely, THE PASSION FOR DESTRUCTION provides a look at both the theoretical and practical origins of the movement. It follows the expansion of the anarchist movement from Europe to America, where it grew, fueled by disillusioned immigrants. The film also offers an in-depth look at the Haymarket Affair, which would deeply influence anarchist activists such as Emma Goldman.