William Z. Foster

William Z. Foster


Chairman of the Communist Party USA
In office 1945–1957
Preceded by	Earl Browder
Succeeded by	Eugene Dennis
In office 1924–1934
Preceded by	Office established
Succeeded by	Earl Browder

Personal details
Born	William Edward Foster (1881-02-25)February 25, 1881 Taunton, Massachusetts, U.S.
Died	September 1, 1961(1961-09-01) (aged 80) Moscow, Soviet Union
Political party	Communist Party USA
Other political affiliations	Socialist Party of America
Occupation	Trade union leader, politician

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William Z. Foster (born William Edward Foster; February 25, 1881 – September 1, 1961) was a radical American labor organizer and Communist politician, whose career included serving as General Secretary of the Communist Party USA from 1945 to 1957. He was previously a member of the Socialist Party of America and the Industrial Workers of the World, leading the drive to organize packinghouse industry workers during World War I and the steel strike of 1919.