Emma Goldman

     Emma Goldman was an early Anarchist from Lithuania who was born in 1869. Goldman's formal education was fairly limited although she became involved with a radical St. Petersburg student group. In 1885, she left the Russian Empire for the US, settling first in Rochester NY and later in New Haven Connecticut. Goldman became a socialist, influenced by her fellow laborers in a New Haven textile factory. When she moved back to New York, Goldman became associated with some radical liberals such as Alexander Berkman, who attempted to assassinate Henry Clay Frick during the Homestead strike. Later, Goldman was jailed after inciting riot with a radical speech.
     Goldman also endorsed several unpopular ideas for the time including anarchism, "free love" and birth control. She was jailed for her views on birth control in 1916. Goldman spoke out against military conscription at the beginning of American involvement in World War One, and was jailed until 1917. By the time of her release, rumors persisted that Goldman, dubbed "Red Emma", was involved in a communist conspiracy against the United States. Goldman was deported to the Soviet Union, although she left quickly for other European countries.
     In her later political career, Goldman aided greatly the antifascist movement in Spain. Goldman left an incredible legacy and shaped the anarchist philosophy in Europe and America. While Goldman's radical views changed the American system very little, she helped create a new branch of philosophy and changed the American mindset. Goldman also helped to introduce Americans to several playwrights from Europe, which broadened the American perspective.

Sources:
brittanica.com
marxists.org
biography.com
Several of Goldman's works can be found on the marxists.org link if you're interested.