John D. French

About the Author

John D. French is a distinguished historian specializing in Latin American labor movements and social history, with a particular focus on Brazil's urban working class. A professor emeritus at Duke University, he has dedicated his career to uncovering the voices of workers in modern industrial societies, exploring themes of class conflict, alliances, and resistance against economic and political forces. His seminal work, The Brazilian Workers' ABC: Class Conflict and Alliances in Modern Sao Paulo, draws on extensive archival research to illuminate the struggles of textile workers in Sao Paulo during the early 20th century, offering profound insights into the dynamics of labor organization and state repression. French's scholarship bridges academic rigor with accessible narrative, influencing generations of researchers in labor history and social justice studies.