Second International (politics)

The Second International was an organization formed in 1889 (after several years of preperation) by Communist and Social Democrats to promote international socialism. Continuing the work of the dissolved First International, it continued to meet until 1916.

The Second International dissolved during World War I, as the separate national parties that composed it did not maintain a unified front against the war, instead generally supporting their respective nation's role. Additionally, the Second International was not as revolutionary as the later Third and Fouth Internationals, in many countries supporting the legitimacy of electoral rule.

After World War II, the Socialist International was formed to continue the policies of the Second International, which continues to this day.