Pullman Strike | Cause, Result, History - Trendingknowledgelive

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Pullman Strike | Cause, Result, History

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11 May, 2023

 Pullman Strike

Pullman Strike
Engraving of railway officials drawing spikes from railway switches on the tracks in the Western Indiana Railroad Yards during the Pullman Strike, 1894.(Getty)

In 1894, a labor dispute known as the Pullman Strike took place in the United States. The American Railway Union (ARU) organized the strike against the Pullman Palace Car Company, a major employer of railway workers. It began with workers at the company's plant in Chicago walking off the job to protest low wages and poor working conditions. The strike quickly spread across the country as railway workers refused to handle trains that included Pullman cars, causing significant disruptions in transportation and commerce. With pressure from the railroad industry and business interests, the federal government intervened in the strike. President Grover Cleveland ordered federal troops to end the strike, resulting in clashes with strikers that led to violence and several deaths. Despite the strike ultimately ending in failure for the strikers and many union leaders being imprisoned, it did bring greater public attention to the struggles of workers and played a role in advancing labor reforms.


What was the Pullman strike and why did it happen?

In 1894, the Pullman Strike occurred in the United States, as the American Railway Union (ARU) organized a major labor strike against the Pullman Palace Car Company, which was a significant employer of railway workers. The workers at the Pullman factory, located in Pullman, Illinois, had been facing economic difficulties, and their demand for better pay and working conditions triggered the strike. The company had declined their request to lower the rents on the housing it provided to its workers, who had to live in the company town.


The strike quickly spread nationwide, with railway workers refusing to handle trains that included Pullman cars. This resulted in major disruptions in transportation and commerce. Under pressure from the railroad industry and business interests, the federal government intervened in the strike and sent federal troops to Chicago, where the Pullman factory was located, to end the strike. The clash between the strikers and the troops resulted in violence and several fatalities.


Although the Pullman Strike failed to achieve its objectives, and many union leaders were imprisoned, it did raise public awareness of the workers' challenges and contributed to future labor reforms.


What was one result of the 1894 Pullman strike?

The 1894 Pullman Strike led to a heightened public awareness of the challenges workers faced and the importance of labor reforms. The strike brought attention to the problems of inadequate pay and unfavorable working conditions, as well as the power dynamics between employers and workers. The government's involvement in the strike and use of troops caused discussions on the government's role in labor disputes. Even though the strike was not successful in accomplishing its objectives, and many union leaders were jailed, it played a crucial role in shaping labor relations and laws in the United States for years to come.



What is the history of Pullman?


Pullman is a locality situated on the southern end of Chicago, Illinois, USA, and was named after the Pullman Palace Car Company. This distinguished railroad car manufacturing establishment was founded by George Pullman in 1867.

During the late 1800s, George Pullman established a model town that included housing, schools, shops, and other amenities for his employees. The town was designed to be self-sufficient and to offer a pleasant living environment for the workers and their families. However, the town's strict regulations and rules that governed the residents' behavior were met with some criticism and controversy.

The Pullman Palace Car Company was well-known for its luxurious railroad cars, which were used by affluent travelers throughout the country. Nonetheless, the company encountered labor unrest during the late 19th century, culminating in the Pullman Strike of 1894. The strike, led by Eugene V. Debs and the American Railway Union, resulted in violence and federal intervention that ultimately quelled the strike.

After the strike, the Pullman Palace Car Company faced financial challenges, ultimately resulting in bankruptcy. The city of Chicago annexed the town of Pullman in 1889, and the company's buildings and factories were repurposed for other uses.

Presently, Pullman is designated as a National Monument, with its historic buildings and architecture preserved as a testament to its distinctive history. The Pullman National Monument Visitor Center is situated in the neighborhood and provides insight into the town's history and significance.



Who broke up the Pullman strike?


In 1894, the United States government, led by President Grover Cleveland, intervened in the Pullman Strike which involved employees of the Pullman Palace Car Company in Chicago. The workers were protesting against reductions in wages and high living expenses in the company town of Pullman, Illinois. The strike soon spread to other railroad workers and caused a major disruption in rail traffic across the country.

Pullman Strike
The 15th United States Infantry Company C, called in by President Cleveland to help break up a railroad strike against the Pullman Palace Car Company(Getty)


President Cleveland declared the strike a federal offense and dispatched troops to dismantle it. Unfortunately, the violent conflict resulted in the loss of several lives and the destruction of valuable property worth millions of dollars. Despite the workers' efforts, the strike was ultimately unsuccessful, and many lost their jobs or were blacklisted by other employers.
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