Pullman Strike

Definition

The Pullman Strike was a nationwide railroad strike in the United States that occurred in 1894, initiated by workers of the Pullman Company in response to wage cuts and high rents in company-owned housing. This strike highlighted the tensions between labor and management during the Industrial Revolution, showcasing the struggles of the working class for better conditions and fair wages, while also raising questions about government intervention in labor disputes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Pullman Strike began when the Pullman Company reduced wages without lowering rents for its workers living in company-owned housing, leading to widespread discontent.
2. The strike escalated when the American Railway Union, under Eugene V. Debs' leadership, called for a boycott of trains carrying Pullman cars, disrupting rail traffic across the country.
3. In response to the strike, federal troops were deployed by the government, leading to violent clashes that resulted in deaths and injuries among both strikers and soldiers.
4. The Pullman Strike ended with a court injunction against the strikers, marking a significant defeat for organized labor and highlighting the challenges faced by unions at that time.
5. The aftermath of the strike led to increased public awareness of labor issues and contributed to the establishment of Labor Day as a national holiday in 1894.

Review Questions

• How did economic conditions contribute to the outbreak of the Pullman Strike?
  • Economic conditions played a crucial role in sparking the Pullman Strike as workers faced wage cuts amidst an economic downturn. The Pullman Company reduced wages while maintaining high rents for its employees living in company-owned housing, leading to frustration and anger among workers. This situation reflected broader issues of economic inequality and worker exploitation during the Industrial Revolution, fueling the desire for organized labor action.
• What were the major consequences of government intervention during the Pullman Strike?
  • The government intervention during the Pullman Strike had significant consequences for both labor relations and public perception of unions. The use of federal troops to break up the strike resulted in violent clashes and further alienated workers from the government, reinforcing their view that authorities favored business interests over labor rights. This action set a precedent for future government responses to labor disputes, often siding with employers rather than supporting workers' rights.
• Evaluate how the events of the Pullman Strike influenced future labor movements in America.
  • The events of the Pullman Strike significantly influenced future labor movements in America by highlighting both the challenges and potential strategies for organized labor. While it ended in defeat for the strikers, it raised awareness about worker rights and set off conversations regarding fair wages and better working conditions. The strike also inspired future generations of labor leaders, including Eugene V. Debs, who continued advocating for workers' rights through political means, ultimately shaping the landscape of American labor relations throughout the 20th century.

Related terms

American Railway Union: A labor union founded in 1893 that played a significant role in the Pullman Strike by supporting the striking workers and organizing a nationwide boycott of trains carrying Pullman cars.

Eugene V. Debs: A prominent labor leader and co-founder of the American Railway Union, who became a key figure during the Pullman Strike and later ran for president as a socialist.

Coxey's Army: A protest march by unemployed workers in 1894 that aimed to present demands for job creation and relief during a period of economic depression, coinciding with the Pullman Strike.