Great Railroad Strike of 1877

Definition

The Great Railroad Strike of 1877 was a major nationwide labor uprising in the United States sparked by wage cuts and poor working conditions for railroad workers. This strike marked the first significant nationwide strike in U.S. history, as workers from various railroads banded together in protest, leading to violent clashes with authorities and reflecting widespread labor unrest during a time of rapid industrial growth.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The strike began on July 17, 1877, after the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad cut wages for the second time in a year, prompting workers to walk off the job.
2. The protests quickly spread across multiple states, including Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Illinois, involving over 100,000 railroad workers at its peak.
3. The violence escalated as clashes occurred between striking workers and local militias or federal troops, resulting in numerous deaths and extensive property damage.
4. The strike highlighted the growing tensions between labor and capital during the Gilded Age, as industrialists sought to maximize profits at the expense of worker welfare.
5. Although the strike ultimately failed to achieve its goals, it galvanized public support for labor rights and led to increased organization among workers and the formation of unions.

Review Questions

• How did the economic conditions leading up to the Great Railroad Strike of 1877 influence workers' actions?
  • The economic conditions prior to the Great Railroad Strike were marked by the Panic of 1873, which caused severe economic distress, including high unemployment and wage cuts. As railroad companies aimed to cut costs to survive the financial downturn, many workers faced reductions in pay and poor working conditions. These factors created a highly volatile environment where frustration and desperation led workers to unite and strike against injustices they faced on a massive scale.
• What role did violence play in shaping public perception of the Great Railroad Strike of 1877 and labor movements in general?
  • Violence played a significant role in shaping public perception during the Great Railroad Strike of 1877, as confrontations between strikers and authorities often resulted in bloodshed. The sight of troops firing on workers fueled public outrage against both the government’s harsh response and the railroad companies' disregard for worker welfare. This backlash highlighted the need for reform within labor relations and brought increased attention to the labor movement as a legitimate voice for worker rights.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of the Great Railroad Strike of 1877 on labor relations in America.
  • The Great Railroad Strike of 1877 had profound long-term impacts on labor relations in America. Although it was initially quelled through violent means, it served as a wake-up call for both employers and policymakers about the necessity for dialogue between labor and capital. The strike catalyzed a shift towards more organized labor movements, leading to increased union membership and advocacy for worker rights throughout subsequent decades. This pivotal moment laid important groundwork for future labor reforms and established strikes as a powerful tool for workers seeking change.

Related terms

Labor Movement:

A collective effort by workers to improve their rights and working conditions, often through strikes and union organizing.

Panic of 1873:

A severe economic depression that began with the collapse of a major bank, leading to widespread unemployment and wage cuts in the United States.

Militia: A military force composed of ordinary citizens who are trained for emergency service, often called upon during civil unrest or strikes.