Prison Sentence

It was after federal troops were sent to break up the Pullman strike that Debs was arrested. He was imprisoned for six months and faced charges of contempt of court. Contempt of court is an act of disrespect towards the judicial branch of government. However, it was Deb's time in prison that led to him deepening his understanding of the writings of Karl Marx and the injustices of capitalism. While expanding his knowledge in prison, he believed that "no union could protect the interest of workers in the prevailing economic and political system." ¹ It was after this he proclaimed himself as a socialist, leaving his democratic ties behind. 

The political cartoon above is essential to analyze because while Debs served six months in prison, he decided to run for president. While campaigning for president in the 1920 election from jail, he also led the Socialist Party. This was his fifth time running for president. 

Although Debs was imprisoned for his role in the Pullman Strike and his dissent in the US role in WWI, he kept advancing in the political sphere. He became increasingly "radicalized" by understanding the writings of Marx, especially Das Kapital. He was also able to maintain the energy and support of his supporters from prison. Demonstrations were held to free Debs, and even after his time in prison, he still had more support.

¹Constantine, J. Robert. "Eugene V. Debs: An American Paradox." Monthly Labor Review 114, no. 8 (1991): 30–33