League of Women Shoppers (Washington, D.C.)

The League of Women Shoppers was started in New York City in 1935 and at one time had fourteen branches. The Washington, D.C. league was founded in 1937. The League worked for the establishment of quality standards and compulsory grade labeling on consumer products, a higher minimum wage, federal rent control, and equal pay for equal work. In 1939 the chair of the House Un-American Activities Committee accused the League of having been organized by the Communist Party. Disagreements between the Washington and the New York office contributed to the demise of the League in 1948.

The League of Women Shoppers was started in New York City in 1935 and at one time had fourteen branches. The Washington, D.C. league was founded in 1937 and had many prominent members. The major objectives of the group were better working conditions for labor, and high quality consumer goods at low prices. Specific issues included stabilizing the national economy; support for federal rent control and for price control and rationing; progressive taxation; ending inequity in living standards and ensuring the democratic rights of minorities; and promoting harmonious labor relations and collective bargaining. The league hoped to achieve its goals by educating the public, but soon found that stronger measures were required: it therefore participated in strikes and picketing, and initiated a boycott against Japanese silk.

In 1939 Congressman Martin Dies, chairman of the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC), accused the league of having been organized by the Communist Party. Disagreements between Washington and the national office in New York contributed to the demise of the LWS in 1948.