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Pullman Strike 1894: Federal Government Intervenes — Reading Comprehension

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D2.HIS.2.3-5
D2.HIS.3.3-5
RI.4.3
RI.4.4
W.4.2

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This engaging history reading passage examines the Pullman Strike of 1894, one of the most significant labor conflicts in American history. Students will analyze the causes of the strike, the motivations of the workers and company owners, and the unprecedented intervention of the federal government. The passage explores multiple perspectives, including workers, business leaders, and government officials, and uses primary source evidence to deepen historical understanding. Key vocabulary terms are highlighted and explained, supporting both historical and ELA learning. Activities include a reading quiz, writing prompts, and graphic organizers to foster critical thinking. The resource is aligned with D2.His.2.3-5, D2.His.3.3-5, RI.4.3, RI.4.4, W.4.2 standards. A Spanish translation and read aloud audio are provided to ensure accessibility. This resource is ideal for inquiry-based learning about American labor history and the complexities of government intervention during the Gilded Age.

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"Pullman strike guard harpers" by Drawn by G. W. Peters from a sketch by G. A. Coffin.
Source: Wikimedia Commons (Public domain).

The Pullman Strike of 1894 was a major labor conflict that took place in the United States during the Progressive Era. The strike began when workers at the Pullman Palace Car Company, located near Chicago, protested against severe wage cuts. These wage reductions came at a time when rent and prices in the company-owned town remained unchanged, creating economic hardship for Pullman employees and their families.

As the situation worsened, the workers formed a strike to demand fairer wages and better working conditions. The American Railway Union (ARU), led by Eugene V. Debs, supported the Pullman workers by organizing a boycott of trains that used Pullman cars. This boycott quickly spread across the country, affecting railroads nationwide and disrupting both passenger and freight traffic.

The Pullman Company refused to negotiate with the workers or the ARU. As the strike escalated, railroad owners and business leaders pressured the federal government to take action. President Grover Cleveland’s administration responded by issuing a federal injunction against the strike, which is a legal order to stop an activity. When workers ignored the injunction, federal troops were sent to Chicago to force an end to the strike. This federal intervention led to violent clashes, resulting in property damage and several deaths.

Ultimately, the strike was broken, and many labor leaders, including Debs, were arrested. Though the Pullman workers did not achieve their immediate goals, the strike highlighted the challenges faced by industrial workers and the power of large corporations. It also set important precedents for how the U.S. government could become involved in labor disputes, often siding with business interests over labor rights.

The Pullman Strike revealed deep divisions in American society over the rights of workers, the responsibilities of employers, and the role of government. The conflict encouraged future labor reforms and inspired debates about collective bargaining, union recognition, and the use of government power in private industry.

Interesting Fact: Labor Day became a national holiday in the United States in 1894, partly as a response to the Pullman Strike and to improve relations between workers and the government.

When did the Pullman Strike happen?

1894188619011877

Where was the Pullman Company located?

Near ChicagoSan FranciscoNew York CityBoston

Who led the American Railway Union?

Eugene V. DebsGrover ClevelandAndrew CarnegieSamuel Gompers

Why did the workers strike?

Wage cutsShorter hoursNew machinesBetter housing

What was the effect of the boycott?

Nationwide railroad disruptionCompany closedWages increasedNo change

How did the government respond?

Issued an injunctionLowered rentsGave raisesBuilt new factories