ABSTRACT
Most of the forefathers defended democracy in religion, government, education—even the family. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) was formed by an amalgamation with the Liberty Defense Union, the American Union Against Militarism, the Workers' Defense League, and others. Harry Ward's contribution to the ACLU was possible because major cases of violation of civil rights in the United States were brought before the board, giving him the opportunity to leave his mark on the debates and decisions. Ward had many other opportunities to participate directly in advancing the cause of labor and economic democracy by reaching a wide audience in speaking at many public meetings and to church groups. Ward continued his defense of minority rights in the late thirties by initiating through the ACLU board an effort to defeat the proposals of the Fish Committee to outlaw the Communist movement in the United States.
