This analysis examines the period considered by some the "good years" (i.e. the more revolutionary period) of the Communist Party, USA. The piece was originally written in 1980 right after the author had left the coalfields. It was based on research into this history and then our own experience of trying to develop revolutionary organization among
workers.

The piece addresses how revolutionary consciousness develops among the oppressed, and an interest in trade union organizing that has re-emerged
among a new generation of revolutionaries.