Pullman Strike

Definition

The Pullman Strike was a nationwide railroad strike in the United States that began in May 1894, triggered by wage cuts and high rents in the company town of Pullman, Illinois. The strike escalated as workers protested against the Pullman Company and the federal government intervened, marking a significant moment in labor history and collective bargaining efforts during that era.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Pullman Strike started as a protest against wage cuts by the Pullman Company, which was compounded by high rents in company-owned housing.
2. The strike quickly spread nationwide, disrupting rail traffic and mail delivery, which led to significant economic impact.
3. In response to the strike, President Grover Cleveland sent federal troops to Chicago, claiming it was necessary to ensure mail delivery and public order.
4. The use of federal troops marked a turning point in government relations with labor, showcasing a willingness to side with businesses over workers' rights.
5. The aftermath of the Pullman Strike resulted in increased public awareness of labor issues and laid the groundwork for future labor reforms and collective bargaining practices.

Review Questions

• How did the conditions in Pullman, Illinois contribute to the outbreak of the Pullman Strike?
  • The conditions in Pullman were dire due to wage cuts imposed by the Pullman Company while rent for company-owned housing remained high. Workers found themselves unable to afford basic living expenses despite working long hours. This disconnect between wages and living conditions fueled discontent among workers, leading them to organize and ultimately strike against unfair practices.
• Discuss the role of federal intervention during the Pullman Strike and its implications for labor relations in the United States.
  • Federal intervention during the Pullman Strike was significant as President Grover Cleveland deployed troops to restore order and ensure mail delivery. This action illustrated a clear alignment between the government and corporate interests over those of workers. The use of military force against strikers sent a strong message that labor unrest would not be tolerated, fundamentally altering future labor relations and government policies towards unions.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the Pullman Strike on labor movements and collective bargaining in America.
  • The long-term effects of the Pullman Strike on labor movements were profound. It highlighted the struggles workers faced and brought national attention to their plight. In its aftermath, there was increased organization within labor unions, leading to stronger collective bargaining efforts. The strike also influenced public perception about workers' rights, eventually contributing to legislative reforms that aimed to improve labor conditions and promote fair negotiations between employers and employees.

Related terms

American Railway Union: A labor union founded in 1893 that played a major role in the Pullman Strike, led by Eugene V. Debs and advocating for railway workers' rights.

Eugene V. Debs: A prominent labor leader and socialist who was the leader of the American Railway Union and became a key figure during the Pullman Strike.

Injunction: A court order that restrains a person or group from taking certain actions, which was used by the federal government to break the Pullman Strike.