Organized Labor In The Late 1800s And Early 1900's

The late 1800s and early 1900s, organized labor emerged as a powerful force as workers confronted severe mistreatment from their employers. In response, they formed unions to demand change, recognizing that collective action could effectively spotlight their grievances. A striking example of this activism is found in the case of George Pullman, a highly successful business owner with numerous factories. Workers, including Jennie Curtis from Pullman's seamstress repair shop, bravely spoke out against his unjust practices. Pullman decreased wages while maintaining high rent prices in Pullman Village. This left many workers struggling to afford necessities. In protest, they formed the American Railroad Union, leading to a nationwide railroad boycott

When company owner Henry Clay Frick hired Pinkerton agents to crush the strike, violence erupted. Frick even resorted to hiring scabs to replace the striking workers, igniting a brutal confrontation that resulted in many people being killed and numerous injuries. The state militia was called in to reestablish order, leading to the strike’s defeat. The Homestead Strike is not only notable for its intensity but also for its profound impact on the labor movement, showcasing the lengths to which both workers and employers can go to achieve their goals. The 1902 Anthracite Coal Strike, commonly referred to as the Coal Strike of 1902, stands as another significant labor dispute. Coal miners in eastern Pennsylvania, represented by the United Mine Workers of America, took a bold stand for higher wages, shorter workdays, and safer working conditions. Starting in May 1902 and lasting several months, this strike threatened the nation’s heating supply as winter approached. President Theodore Roosevelt made history by intervening and bringing mine owners and union leaders to the White House for negotiations, the first instance of the federal government playing a neutral role in a labor