1. Socialism: Debs was a staunch advocate of socialism, believing that it offered a more just and equitable alternative to capitalism. He believed in the collective ownership of industries and resources, with the aim of reducing economic inequality and providing better living conditions for workers.
2. Labor Rights: Debs was a passionate defender of workers' rights and played a significant role in organizing labor unions to fight for better wages, improved working conditions, and a voice in the workplace. He believed in the power of collective bargaining and class solidarity among workers.
3. Anti-Imperialism: Debs was critical of American imperialism and its involvement in foreign wars. He opposed the Spanish-American War, World War I, and other military conflicts, arguing that they served the interests of the ruling class and did not benefit ordinary people.
4. Class Struggle: Debs believed that society was divided along class lines, with the working class being exploited by the wealthy capitalist class. He advocated for class consciousness and solidarity among workers to challenge the established order and fight for their rights.
5. Social Justice: Debs was deeply committed to social justice and believed that every individual deserved equal opportunities, regardless of their background or status. He campaigned against discrimination based on race, gender, and class, and worked to promote social equality.
6. Electoral Politics: Debs believed in the importance of political action to achieve social change. He ran for president of the United States five times as the candidate of the Socialist Party of America, hoping to build a mass movement and challenge the two-party system.
7. Democratic Socialism: Debs's vision of socialism was based on democratic principles, with power residing in the hands of the people. He believed in a decentralized, grassroots approach to decision-making and opposed authoritarian forms of socialism.
8. Pacifism: Debs was a strong advocate for peace and opposed violence as a means of achieving social change. He believed that peaceful protest, strikes, and political organizing were more effective strategies for bringing about change.
9. Economic Democracy: Debs argued that economic power should be democratized, with workers having a say in the management of the industries they worked in. He believed in worker cooperatives and other forms of participatory economics.
10. Internationalism: Debs believed in the importance of international solidarity among workers around the world. He actively supported international workers' movements and called for cooperation among nations to promote peace and justice.
Debs's ideas had a profound impact on the American labor movement and left-wing politics in the early 20th century. He inspired generations of activists and continues to be remembered for his commitment to social justice, workers' rights, and democratic socialism.