Seattle General Strike 1919

Definition

The Seattle General Strike of 1919 was a major labor action where over 65,000 workers in Seattle went on strike for five days, demanding better wages and working conditions after World War I. This event was significant as it highlighted the growing labor movement in the United States and the impact of World War I on workers' rights and economic conditions, as many felt neglected by the government post-war.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The strike began on February 6, 1919, and lasted until February 11, involving workers from various industries, including shipyard workers, longshoremen, and metal trades.
2. Workers demanded wage increases to keep up with inflation caused by the post-war economic boom, as well as improved working conditions after years of wartime labor.
3. The strike was organized by the Seattle Central Labor Council, which represented a coalition of local unions, demonstrating the solidarity among different labor groups.
4. City leaders viewed the strike with suspicion and fear, associating it with revolutionary sentiments that were prevalent following the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia.
5. Ultimately, the strike ended without achieving its goals; however, it set the stage for future labor actions and brought attention to the plight of workers in America.

Review Questions

• How did the Seattle General Strike reflect the conditions faced by workers after World War I?
  • The Seattle General Strike highlighted the frustrations of workers who experienced rising costs of living due to inflation yet saw little improvement in wages or working conditions after World War I. Many returned from wartime jobs expecting better treatment but found themselves in difficult economic circumstances. The strike became a powerful expression of discontent among various labor groups seeking justice and fair compensation in a rapidly changing economy.
• Evaluate the response of city officials to the Seattle General Strike and how it impacted public perception of labor movements.
  • City officials reacted to the Seattle General Strike with alarm and hostility, fearing that it might lead to widespread unrest similar to events in Russia. Their portrayal of the strike as radical bolstered public anxiety about labor movements and contributed to a backlash against organized labor. This response ultimately framed labor activism as a threat rather than a legitimate quest for rights, affecting how future strikes were viewed by both the government and society at large.
• Assess the long-term implications of the Seattle General Strike for the labor movement in America during the post-war period.
  • The Seattle General Strike had significant long-term implications for the American labor movement by underscoring the need for collective bargaining and stronger union representation. Although it failed to achieve immediate goals, it increased awareness around workers' rights and influenced future strikes and labor legislation. The event also galvanized workers across different industries to unite, fostering a sense of solidarity that would become vital for future labor rights advancements throughout the 20th century.

Related terms

Labor Movement: A collective effort by workers to improve their rights, wages, and working conditions through organized activities such as strikes and unions.

Wartime Economy: The economic conditions during and immediately after World War I, which included high demand for labor and production but also significant inflation and supply shortages.

American Federation of Labor (AFL): A national federation of labor unions in the United States that played a key role in advocating for workers' rights and better conditions during the early 20th century.