Victor Luitpold Berger

Socialist Representative of Wisconsin's 5th district

Congresses Served

House Terms

February 28, 1860 (69 years old)

Birthday

August 7, 1929

Death

Austrian-American socialist politician and journalist active in the early 20th century.
Founding member of the Social Democratic Party of America and the Socialist Party of America.
Immigrated to the United States in 1878, settling in Wisconsin, where he became a prominent socialist figure.
Played a significant role in the Sewer Socialist movement, advocating for urban reform and social justice.
Elected as the first Socialist member of the U.S. House of Representatives in 1910.
Convicted under the Espionage Act in 1919 for his anti-war stance, but his conviction was later overturned by the Supreme Court.
Served multiple non-consecutive terms in Congress, focusing on issues like old-age pensions, unemployment insurance, and public housing.
Known for his editorial work, having published and edited several socialist newspapers.
Advocated for gradual social reforms through electoral politics rather than revolutionary methods.
His views included controversial stances on immigration and race, reflecting a complex and often contradictory ideology.
Died in 1929 after being struck by a streetcar, with a significant public turnout for his funeral.