Founding of the International Workingmen's Association, 1864

Background. Initial contacts between British and French workers' leaders were established during the 1862 London International Exhibition. These interactions led to a meeting in London in July 1863, which set the stage for a new international organization. In France, workers influenced by Proudhonism sought independent political representation, culminating in the "Manifesto of the Sixty" in 1864, written by Henri Tolain.

Founding. On 28 September 1864, a great international meeting was held in St Martin's Hall in London, attended by some 2,000 workers. The organization was founded at this workers' meeting. Karl Marx became involved in the International Workingmen's Association, known as the First International, and was elected to its General Council at its inception.

Venue. St Martin's Hall was a large concert room that had opened in 1850. The Queen's Theatre was later established in 1867 on the site of St Martin's Hall. The founding meeting took place in this venue in London.