Pullman Strike

Definition

The Pullman Strike was a nationwide railroad strike that began in May 1894, primarily involving workers from the Pullman Company in Chicago. It was a pivotal event in labor history, showcasing the growing tensions between labor unions and industrial management, and ultimately led to significant government intervention in labor disputes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Pullman Strike began as a response to wage cuts and high rents in the company town of Pullman, leading workers to demand better conditions and pay.
2. The strike escalated when the American Railway Union, led by Eugene V. Debs, supported the Pullman workers by boycotting trains carrying Pullman cars, which disrupted rail traffic nationwide.
3. In response to the strike, the federal government intervened by sending troops to Chicago, leading to violent clashes and multiple deaths among both strikers and troops.
4. The strike highlighted the growing conflict between labor and management, as well as the willingness of the federal government to side with corporations over workers during this period.
5. The aftermath of the Pullman Strike led to increased public awareness of labor issues and contributed to the eventual establishment of Labor Day as a national holiday in 1894.

Review Questions

• How did the Pullman Strike reflect the relationship between labor unions and industrial management during the late 19th century?
  • The Pullman Strike exemplified the escalating tensions between labor unions and industrial management as workers sought better wages and working conditions while facing resistance from company owners. The involvement of the American Railway Union under Eugene V. Debs illustrated how unions were willing to mobilize support across industries. This conflict highlighted a broader struggle for workers' rights, demonstrating how collective action could disrupt entire industries and lead to governmental interventions.
• Discuss the role of federal intervention in the Pullman Strike and its implications for future labor disputes in America.
  • Federal intervention in the Pullman Strike marked a significant moment in labor history, showcasing how the government aligned itself with corporate interests over labor rights. The use of troops to break the strike not only resulted in violence but also set a precedent for future government actions against striking workers. This response signaled to both labor leaders and workers that they would face serious consequences for organizing against employers, influencing strategies used by unions in subsequent labor disputes.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the Pullman Strike on American labor movements and legislation.
  • The long-term effects of the Pullman Strike were profound for American labor movements, as it galvanized public opinion around workers' rights and highlighted the need for reform. In its wake, there was an increased push for organized labor protections, resulting in legislative changes that aimed to address some of the grievances raised by workers. The strike also contributed to a growing awareness about labor issues among citizens, ultimately influencing policies like child labor laws and workplace safety regulations that emerged in subsequent decades.

Related terms

American Railway Union: A labor union founded in 1893 that aimed to unite all railway workers in the United States, it played a key role in supporting the Pullman strikers during the strike.

Eugene V. Debs: A prominent labor leader and co-founder of the American Railway Union, Debs became a key figure during the Pullman Strike, advocating for workers' rights and later becoming a socialist leader.

Injunction: A legal order that restricts or prevents specific actions; during the Pullman Strike, the federal government issued an injunction to break the strike and maintain mail delivery.