Final answer:
Socialists in the United States aimed to address the inequalities of capitalism by advocating for governmental control of production. The disparity of wealth and the appeal of socialist ideas grew during economic crises, leading to a rise in socialist agitation among the working class and the discontented.
Step-by-step explanation:
Socialists in the United States at the turn of the century sought to address the stark inequalities and perceived injustices of capitalist society. They observed the contrast between the opulent lifestyles of capitalists and the dire conditions of workers, advocating for the government to take control of the means of production to serve the public interest. The appeal of socialism grew during crises where people questioned the failure of capitalism and liberal democracy to protect the interests of the working class.
Individuals like Marcus, who began to make capital of socialist agitation, did so out of a belief in the cause of labor and a reaction against the wealth disparity and exploitation under capitalism. Gripped by the narratives of inequality and swayed by the successes claimed by countries like the Soviet Union, fighting against capitalism sometimes even translated to supporting extreme alternatives, such as fascism, to maintain social order and personal security.
The ethos of socialism, driven by the philosophies of figures like Karl Marx, motivated labor organizers and provided a framework for labor negotiations and unions. While few Americans joined socialist organizations outright, many shared socialist reservations about the sincerity of government actions, and some came to view war as a mechanism for capitalist expansion rather than for securing freedom.