Portraits of the Abraham Lincoln Brigade

The following are photographs of American veterans of the Spanish Civil War, who fought to defend the Spanish Republic against a fascist insurrection led by General Franco, with the support of Hitler and Mussolini, in what would be a prelude to World War II.

Fascism was spreading all over the world. When the other democratic governments in Europe and the United States refused to aid the Spanish Republic, nearly 3000 Americans joined 40,000 international volunteers from all over the world, traveling to Spain in defiance of their governments, to stop the spread of fascism. A few months after the Spanish Republic fell, Hitler invaded Poland and then Paris and World War II began.

When the Americans returned home they formed the Volunteers of the Abraham Lincoln Battalion organization, dedicating their lives to continuing the fight against fascism and for social justice. In spite of FBI harassment and blacklisting, they were active in the struggle for civil rights, the labor movement, the anti-war movement, and the struggle against US intervention in central America.

These photos, taken of the vets from 1980 to 2016 at their annual reunions and at various other events, are a testimony to the strength and vitality that comes from being part of a community dedicated to helping others.