SDI was founded in 1913 by Dr. Phileas Brunstein to support the independence of the newly emerging national groups of his day. The society played a major role in the development of President Wilson's plans for newly independent states as envisaged by the Versailles Treaty.

During the inter-war period, the organization persevered, but it was not to achieve maximum effectiveness until after World War II during the decolonization process. SDI did not play a major role in the breakup of the USSR, but it has applauded and supported the resulting proliferation of new nations.

The Society for Distributive Independence feels that there is a great deal more to be accomplished, within the Soviet Union. However, it is in the former colonial areas, such as Sub-Saharan Africa and Indonesia, that the most work remains to be done.