Pullman Strike Thesis

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The Pullman Strike The Pullman Strike is known as one of America’s most costly civil disobedience; the deadly strike began as a peaceful strike on May 11th, 1894. During this time the United States was going through a severe economic depression. Due to this depression companies lowered wages causing struggle to put food on the table. George Pullman was the owner of the Pullman Company which controlled railroads during this time (Chicago History). The strike was the American Railway Union fighting against the Pullman Company demanding higher wages and better living conditions. Pullman workers went on a peaceful strike which led to violence and destruction. With a great income of money the Pullman Company decided to take advantage by building “Company Town,” which offered shelter and entertainment for Pullman workers (Britannica). Sadly and economic depression hit the United States leading George Pullman to lower wages, but not rents. Pullman workers soon found themselves in horrific living conditions struggling to survive and pay rent. (Chicago History). These workers grew tired of the conditions they were in so they tried to present their opinions on the …show more content…
80 million were lost in business, 6 million in property damage and railroad employees lost 1 million in salaries and bonuses (American Labor Crisis). The government was left in huge debt;Thirty-four were recorded dead. “ The intended peaceful strike backfired. Brought more damage than good”(Chicago History.) Ultimately, strikers were left jobless putting them in worse living conditions than those they were in. The Pullman Strike began with unsatisfied workers leading to a peaceful strike which later turned into a violent strike. This disobedience affected two- thirds of the United States crippling transportation. (American Labor Crisis). It also influenced public opinion on the rights of workers and the role of