Great Railroad Strike

Definition

The Great Railroad Strike of 1877 was a nationwide labor uprising in the United States that began in response to wage cuts and poor working conditions for railroad workers. It marked one of the first major strikes in American history, reflecting the rising tensions between labor and management during the industrial revolution. This strike not only showcased the growing influence of labor unions but also set the stage for future union organizing efforts as workers sought to improve their rights and conditions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Great Railroad Strike began on July 17, 1877, when workers from the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad protested wage cuts by walking off the job.
2. The strike quickly spread across multiple states, affecting railroads from coast to coast and halting transportation and commerce.
3. Local governments and the federal government responded with violence, deploying troops to suppress the strike, which resulted in clashes between strikers and soldiers.
4. This event was significant in raising awareness of workers' struggles, leading to increased public support for labor rights and ultimately paving the way for more organized labor movements.
5. The Great Railroad Strike highlighted the dangers and challenges faced by labor movements at the time, particularly the willingness of authorities to use force to maintain order and protect business interests.

Review Questions

• How did the Great Railroad Strike of 1877 reflect the relationship between labor unions and management during that time?
  • The Great Railroad Strike of 1877 illustrated the escalating conflict between labor unions and management as workers revolted against wage cuts and harsh conditions. It demonstrated how railroad workers, organized to fight for better treatment, were willing to take drastic actions like striking to voice their demands. This uprising was a significant moment that underscored the need for unions as a collective voice against management practices perceived as exploitative.
• In what ways did the response to the Great Railroad Strike influence future union organizing efforts in the United States?
  • The government's violent response to the Great Railroad Strike served as a wake-up call for many workers regarding their safety and rights. Witnessing troops being deployed against strikers led to a stronger resolve among workers to organize collectively. The backlash from this event galvanized support for unions as they sought to establish better protections for workers, paving the way for more formalized union structures and collective bargaining strategies in subsequent years.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of the Great Railroad Strike on labor relations in America throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
  • The long-term impacts of the Great Railroad Strike significantly shaped labor relations in America by highlighting systemic issues within industrial workplaces. The brutality faced by strikers led to increased public sympathy for labor rights, fueling subsequent strikes and forming a catalyst for more organized labor movements. The events of 1877 pushed for legislative changes over time, ultimately influencing policies related to labor relations, such as improved working conditions and regulations around strikes, thereby laying groundwork for modern labor rights advocacy.

Related terms

Labor Union: An organized group of workers that come together to make decisions about the terms of their work, including wages, hours, and working conditions.

Collective Bargaining: The process through which labor unions negotiate with employers on behalf of their members to reach agreements on wages, benefits, and working conditions.

Strikebreaker: A worker hired to replace a striking worker, often used by employers to weaken labor strikes and maintain production.