great railroad strike of 1877 apush definition

The Great Railroad Strike of 1877 APUSH Definition

The Great Railroad Strike of 1877 was a pivotal event in American history that marked the beginning of labor unrest in the United States. The strike, which lasted from July to October 1877, involved over 100,000 workers across several railroads and resulted in significant economic and social changes.

In the summer of 1877, railroad workers across the country began demanding higher wages, better working conditions, and shorter work hours. However, their demands were met with resistance by railroad companies, which had been experiencing financial difficulties due to a recent economic downturn. The situation escalated when several railroads laid off thousands of workers without notice or compensation.

In response, railroad workers in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and other states organized strikes, blockades, and boycotts to protest the layoffs and demand better working conditions. The strike gained widespread support from other unions, including the Knights of Labor, which had been formed earlier that year.

One of the most significant events during the strike was the Battle of Homestead, which took place in July 1892 at a steel plant owned by Andrew Carnegie in Pennsylvania. In an attempt to break the strike, Carnegie hired Pinkerton detectives to escort strikebreakers into the plant. However, when the Pinkertons arrived on the scene, they were met with violent resistance from striking workers and their families.

The violence resulted in the deaths of several people, including 12 who were killed when striking workers attacked the Pinkerton guards. The event was widely covered by the press and helped to galvanize public support for the striking workers.

Ultimately, the strike ended in October 1877 with the defeat of the railroad workers. However, it marked a significant turning point in American labor history, as it demonstrated the power of collective action and the willingness of workers to take drastic measures to demand better working conditions and fair compensation.

In conclusion, the Great Railroad Strike of 1877 was a pivotal event that had far-reaching consequences for American labor and industry. It highlighted the growing discontent among workers with their working conditions and wages and led to the formation of new unions and labor organizations. Today, it remains an important part of American history, serving as a reminder of the importance of workers' rights and collective action in shaping the country's social and economic landscape.

Great railroad strike of 1877 apush definition