Boston Police Strike

Definition

The Boston Police Strike of 1919 was a significant labor action where members of the Boston Police Department went on strike to demand better working conditions, higher wages, and union recognition. This event highlighted the tension between labor rights and public safety during a time of social upheaval in the United States, particularly as the country dealt with the challenges of post-World War I society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The strike began on September 9, 1919, when approximately 1,100 police officers walked off their jobs, leading to increased crime and disorder in Boston.
2. In response to the strike, Massachusetts Governor Calvin Coolidge called in the National Guard to restore order and protect citizens.
3. The strike ended after a few days when the police officers were denied reinstatement and new recruits were hired to fill their positions.
4. The Boston Police Strike marked a significant moment in labor history, emphasizing the ongoing struggle for workers' rights during a period of economic transition after World War I.
5. The public's reaction was mixed; while some sympathized with the officers' demands for better conditions, others were concerned about lawlessness and public safety.

Review Questions

• How did the Boston Police Strike reflect broader labor movements in the United States during the post-World War I era?
  • The Boston Police Strike was emblematic of the broader labor movements in the United States as workers across various industries began demanding better wages and working conditions after the economic pressures of World War I. As inflation rose and labor conditions remained poor, many workers sought to organize for their rights. The strike highlighted both the urgency of these demands and the government's willingness to intervene forcefully against labor actions that threatened public order.
• Discuss the role of Governor Calvin Coolidge during the Boston Police Strike and how his actions influenced public perception of labor rights.
  • Governor Calvin Coolidge played a critical role during the Boston Police Strike by taking a hardline stance against the striking officers. He ordered the National Guard to maintain order, stating that 'there is no right to strike against the public safety.' His actions not only helped quell the immediate unrest but also shaped public perception by framing the police's strike as a threat to societal order rather than a legitimate labor dispute, which contributed to negative views toward labor movements at that time.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of the Boston Police Strike on labor relations and public policy in America.
  • The Boston Police Strike had lasting effects on labor relations in America by underscoring the tensions between workers' rights and public safety. The aftermath led to a more cautious approach to labor actions by governments at all levels. It also influenced legislation related to labor unions and workers’ rights, as officials grappled with balancing economic growth with maintaining order. The strike illustrated that while workers could mobilize for their rights, it also prompted a backlash that would affect union organizing efforts for years to come.

Related terms

Labor Movement: A collective organization of workers aimed at improving their rights, wages, and working conditions through strikes and negotiations.

Red Scare: A period of intense fear of communism and radical leftism in the U.S. following World War I, leading to widespread paranoia and government crackdowns on perceived threats.

Calvin Coolidge:

The Governor of Massachusetts during the Boston Police Strike, known for his strong response to the strike, famously stating that 'there is no right to strike against the public safety.'