Pullman Strike

Definition

The Pullman Strike was a nationwide railroad strike that occurred in 1894, initiated by workers from the Pullman Company in Chicago who protested against wage cuts and high rents in company-owned housing. This event highlighted the struggles of labor movements during the era, showcasing the harsh working conditions and the growing tension between laborers and employers, as well as the role of trade unions in advocating for workers' rights.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Pullman Strike began after the Pullman Company reduced wages by about 25% while maintaining high rents for company housing, leading workers to demand better conditions.
2. The American Railway Union, led by Eugene V. Debs, supported the strike by organizing a nationwide boycott of trains carrying Pullman cars, significantly disrupting rail traffic across the country.
3. The U.S. government intervened by sending federal troops to Chicago, citing that the strike interfered with mail delivery and interstate commerce, which escalated the conflict.
4. The strike ended violently when clashes between troops and strikers resulted in deaths and injuries, highlighting the extreme measures taken against labor movements during this period.
5. The Pullman Strike led to significant legal precedents regarding labor rights, including the use of injunctions against striking workers and increased scrutiny on labor unions.

Review Questions

• How did economic factors contribute to the outbreak of the Pullman Strike?
  • Economic factors played a crucial role in the Pullman Strike as workers faced wage cuts while living costs remained high due to inflated rents in company-owned housing. This disparity created a sense of injustice among workers, prompting them to strike. The situation illustrated how economic pressures could lead to collective action among workers when their needs were disregarded by employers.
• Discuss the role of federal intervention in the resolution of the Pullman Strike and its implications for future labor disputes.
  • Federal intervention during the Pullman Strike involved sending troops to Chicago to restore order and break up the strike under claims that it hindered mail delivery and interstate commerce. This marked a significant moment in U.S. labor history as it demonstrated a willingness of the government to side with businesses over workers' rights. The precedent set by this intervention influenced how future labor disputes were handled, often leading to similar government responses when strikes threatened economic stability.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the Pullman Strike on labor movements and trade unionism in America.
  • The Pullman Strike had lasting effects on labor movements and trade unionism in America by highlighting the challenges faced by workers and prompting changes in public perception towards labor rights. While it initially led to setbacks for organized labor due to increased government hostility, it also galvanized efforts toward greater organization among workers and strengthened calls for reform. Ultimately, it contributed to a more robust labor movement that sought improved working conditions and rights, paving the way for future successes in labor legislation.

Related terms

American Railway Union: A labor union founded by Eugene V. Debs that aimed to unite all railroad workers in the United States, playing a significant role in the Pullman Strike by supporting striking workers.

Debs, Eugene V.: A prominent labor leader and socialist, Eugene V. Debs was instrumental in organizing the Pullman Strike and later became a key figure in the American labor movement.

Injunction: A court order that prohibits or compels certain actions; during the Pullman Strike, federal injunctions were used to break the strike and force workers back to their jobs.