On Sept. 28, 1864, the International Working Men's Association was founded in London. It became the prototype of all organizations of the Labor movement, which both reformists and revolutionaries subsequently took to be their point of reference.
Very quickly, the International aroused passions all over Europe. Thanks to its activity, workers were able to gain a clearer understanding of the mechanisms of the capitalist mode of production, to become more aware of their own strength and to develop new and more advanced forms of struggle for their rights and interests.
The 150th anniversary of the International, on contrary, takes place in a very different context. The world of labor has suffered an epochal defeat and is in the midst of a deep crisis.