Pullman Strike

Definition

The Pullman Strike was a nationwide railroad strike that took place in 1894, initiated by workers at the Pullman Company who were protesting wage cuts and high rents in company-owned housing. This event marked a significant moment in labor history, as it highlighted the struggles of workers during the economic depression of the 1890s and sparked a national dialogue about labor rights and the role of government in labor disputes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The strike began after the Pullman Company cut wages for workers without lowering rents in company-owned housing, leading to widespread discontent among employees.
2. The American Railway Union, under the leadership of Eugene V. Debs, supported the strike by organizing a boycott of trains that carried Pullman cars, effectively paralyzing rail traffic in many parts of the country.
3. The federal government intervened by sending in troops to break up the strike, citing concerns about mail delivery and interstate commerce, which raised significant questions about the government's role in labor disputes.
4. Debs was arrested during the strike, which ultimately ended after several violent clashes between strikers and federal troops, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries.
5. The Pullman Strike had lasting effects on labor relations in the United States, leading to increased awareness of workers' rights and contributing to the growth of organized labor movements.

Review Questions

• How did the economic conditions of the 1890s contribute to the events surrounding the Pullman Strike?
  • The economic conditions of the 1890s, marked by a severe depression, led to widespread unemployment and wage cuts across various industries. The Pullman Company responded to declining profits by slashing wages for its workers while maintaining high rents for company housing, which fueled anger among employees. This atmosphere of discontent and desperation was a key factor that led to the outbreak of the Pullman Strike as workers sought to protest their unfair treatment.
• Analyze the response of the federal government to the Pullman Strike and its implications for future labor disputes.
  • The federal government responded to the Pullman Strike by sending troops to Chicago to suppress the unrest, arguing that it was necessary to ensure mail delivery and maintain order. This heavy-handed intervention set a precedent for future government involvement in labor disputes, often siding with employers over workers' rights. The use of federal troops against striking workers raised serious concerns about civil liberties and highlighted the contentious relationship between government authority and labor movements.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of the Pullman Strike on organized labor and social reforms in America.
  • The Pullman Strike significantly influenced the trajectory of organized labor in America by bringing national attention to worker grievances and highlighting the need for reforms. The events surrounding the strike galvanized support for labor rights, leading to increased membership in unions like the American Railway Union. Additionally, it spurred discussions about social welfare initiatives aimed at improving working conditions, fair wages, and better housing for workers, paving the way for future reforms in labor laws and practices.

Related terms

American Railway Union: A large labor union led by Eugene V. Debs that organized railway workers and supported the Pullman Strike by calling for a nationwide boycott of trains carrying Pullman cars.

Eugene V. Debs: A prominent labor leader and socialist who played a key role in the Pullman Strike and later became a significant figure in the American labor movement.

Arbitration: A method of resolving disputes outside of court, often used in labor disputes where an impartial third party makes a binding decision on the matter.