Great Strike of 1877

Definition

The Great Strike of 1877 was a nationwide labor uprising in the United States, sparked by wage cuts and poor working conditions among railroad workers. This strike marked one of the first major instances of organized labor resistance against corporate greed, leading to widespread violence and unrest across several cities. The event highlighted the growing tensions between workers and employers and set the stage for the rise of labor unions and collective bargaining efforts in subsequent years.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Great Strike of 1877 began on July 14, when railroad workers in Martinsburg, West Virginia protested wage cuts by stopping trains.
2. The strike quickly spread to major cities like Pittsburgh, Chicago, and St. Louis, resulting in violent confrontations between strikers and law enforcement.
3. Local and state governments called in militia and federal troops to suppress the strikes, leading to several deaths and injuries among both workers and soldiers.
4. This event marked a pivotal moment in U.S. labor history, as it was one of the first times the government took military action against striking workers.
5. The Great Strike highlighted the need for organized labor movements, leading to increased membership in labor unions and a push for collective bargaining rights.

Review Questions

• How did the Great Strike of 1877 impact public perception of labor unions at that time?
  • The Great Strike of 1877 significantly influenced public perception of labor unions by showcasing the intensity of worker dissatisfaction with corporate practices. While some viewed the strike as a legitimate response to unfair treatment, others saw it as a threat to social order due to the violence that erupted. This dual perception prompted discussions about workers' rights and sparked interest in organized labor movements as a means to advocate for fair treatment.
• Evaluate the role of government intervention during the Great Strike of 1877 and its implications for future labor actions.
  • Government intervention during the Great Strike of 1877 was marked by the deployment of state militias and federal troops to quell the unrest. This heavy-handed approach underscored the government's alignment with corporate interests over those of the workers. The violent suppression reinforced the notion that labor strikes could be met with force, leading future labor movements to rethink their strategies and emphasize negotiation through organized unions rather than direct confrontation.
• Analyze how the events of the Great Strike of 1877 contributed to shaping modern labor relations in America.
  • The events of the Great Strike of 1877 were crucial in shaping modern labor relations by highlighting the need for a structured approach to worker rights through organized unions. The violent outcomes prompted increased membership in unions like the Knights of Labor and later the American Federation of Labor (AFL), which focused on collective bargaining as a means to negotiate better conditions. This shift laid the groundwork for future labor laws and reforms that aimed to protect workers’ rights and improve their working conditions across various industries.

Related terms

Knights of Labor: A significant labor organization in the late 19th century that sought to unite all workers to promote social reform, including better wages and working conditions.

American Federation of Labor (AFL): A national federation of labor unions in the United States founded in 1886, focusing on skilled workers and advocating for their rights through collective bargaining.

Collective Bargaining: The process by which workers negotiate with employers regarding wages, benefits, working conditions, and other aspects of employment through their unions.