Workers Party of the United States

The Workers Party of the United States was formed in December of 1934 with the merger of the Communist League of America (CLA) and the American Workers Party.

The Communist League originally had been focused on influencing the Communist Party, USA and its members, but with the rise of the Nazi party in Germany, decided to focus on Second International associated (or type) groups in what was called the French Turn. This policy was opposed by a faction in the CLA which still existed in the Workers Party. In 1935, this faction, which included Hugo Oehler, left the Workers Party to form the Revolutionary Workers League.

In keeping with this policy, the Workers Party entered the Socialist Party of America in March of 1936. It would leave the Socialist Party in January of 1938, bringing much of the Socialist Party's left wing and youth, and reconstitute itself as the Socialist Workers Party.