Pullman Strike

Definition

The Pullman Strike was a nationwide railroad strike that occurred in the United States in 1894, sparked by wage cuts and high rents in the company town of Pullman, Illinois. This significant labor uprising highlighted the struggles workers faced in demanding better working conditions and fair wages during the industrial age, and it had a lasting impact on labor movements and government responses to such conflicts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Pullman Strike began when the Pullman Company cut wages without reducing rents in its company town, leading workers to strike and boycott trains carrying Pullman cars.
2. The strike escalated to a national level, disrupting rail traffic across the country and prompting intervention by federal troops, which resulted in violence and fatalities.
3. President Grover Cleveland sent federal troops to break the strike, citing the disruption of mail delivery as a reason for intervention, showcasing the government's stance on labor conflicts.
4. The aftermath of the Pullman Strike led to a shift in public opinion towards labor rights, eventually influencing legislation for labor reforms.
5. Eugene V. Debs was arrested during the strike for defying a federal injunction, which further elevated his status as a national figure advocating for workers' rights and socialism.

Review Questions

• How did the Pullman Strike illustrate the broader struggles of labor movements during its time?
  • The Pullman Strike exemplified the challenges workers faced as they sought fair wages and better working conditions amidst rising industrialization. It highlighted the tensions between laborers and management, particularly in company towns where workers had little power over their living conditions. The strike not only disrupted railroads across the nation but also served as a rallying point for other labor movements, showcasing the growing discontent among workers during this period.
• Evaluate the response of the federal government to the Pullman Strike and its implications for future labor disputes.
  • The federal government's response to the Pullman Strike was marked by military intervention, illustrating its willingness to prioritize business interests over workers' rights. By sending troops to break the strike and restore order, the government set a precedent for future conflicts between labor movements and state authority. This heavy-handed approach contributed to public outrage against such interventions, leading to increased support for labor reforms and unions seeking to protect workers' rights.
• Analyze how social Darwinism influenced attitudes toward workers during the time of the Pullman Strike.
  • Social Darwinism played a significant role in shaping attitudes towards workers during the Pullman Strike, as many industrialists and politicians viewed labor disputes through a lens of survival of the fittest. This ideology justified harsh treatment of striking workers, as it positioned them as weak individuals unable to adapt to economic pressures. Consequently, this belief system fostered an environment where worker demands were often dismissed, leading to conflicts like the Pullman Strike that highlighted systemic inequalities and exploitation within industrial society.

Related terms

Eugene V. Debs:

A prominent labor leader and socialist who played a key role in organizing the Pullman Strike and later founded the American Railway Union.

American Federation of Labor (AFL): A national federation of labor unions in the United States that focused on skilled workers and advocated for better wages and working conditions.

Cripple Creek Strike: A notable labor strike in Colorado in 1894, which involved miners demanding an eight-hour workday and improved working conditions, reflecting similar themes as the Pullman Strike.