Pullman Strike 1894: Federal Government Intervenes — Reading Comprehension

The Pullman Strike of 1894 was a major labor conflict in the United States that changed how the federal government interacted with workers and businesses. Workers at the Pullman Palace Car Company near Chicago protested wage cuts and high rents in the company town of Pullman. The company, led by George Pullman, refused to negotiate. This refusal increased tensions between management and employees. As the strike spread, it disrupted rail traffic across much of the country.

Multiple groups were involved in the Pullman Strike. The workers felt their rights were being ignored, and many joined the American Railway Union (ARU) for support. The ARU, led by Eugene V. Debs, called for a boycott of trains carrying Pullman cars. Railroad companies and business owners, on the other hand, argued that the strike was illegal and threatened American commerce. Government officials worried that the disruption would harm the nation’s economy and even public safety. Each group viewed the conflict from a different perspective.

The main problem leading to the strike was worsening working and living conditions. In 1893, a severe economic depression forced Pullman to lower workers’ wages by about 25%. However, rents in the company-owned town stayed the same. This contradiction made it difficult for workers to afford basic necessities. The company’s refusal to lower rents or discuss grievances created a sense of injustice. One worker wrote, “We are not treated as men but as part of the machinery.” This primary source quote shows how workers felt dehumanized by the company’s policies.

The strike quickly spread beyond Pullman. When the ARU joined the boycott, railroad traffic in 27 states was affected. Mail delivery was delayed, and goods could not reach their destinations. Railroad owners asked the federal government to intervene, arguing that the strike was interfering with interstate commerce and the delivery of mail. President Grover Cleveland agreed, sending federal troops to break the strike. Violence broke out in several cities, leading to deaths and destruction of property. The government obtained a court injunction ordering workers back to their jobs.

The federal intervention was controversial. Supporters of the workers argued that the government had sided with big business and ignored the needs of ordinary people. They believed the use of troops violated workers’ rights to organize and protest. Business leaders and some government officials, however, claimed it was necessary to restore order and protect the economy. This conflict highlights the tension between workers’ rights and the interests of business and government. The Pullman Strike demonstrated the power of labor unions but also revealed the limits of their influence when faced with federal authority.

The aftermath of the strike had important consequences. Many workers lost their jobs or were blacklisted, making it hard to find new employment. Eugene V. Debs was arrested and later became a national leader for workers’ rights. The government’s use of force set a precedent for future labor disputes. In response to public concern, Congress created Labor Day as a national holiday to honor American workers. The Pullman Strike remains a key event in the history of American labor relations, showing both the difficulties workers faced and the complex relationship between citizens and their government.

Interesting Fact: After the Pullman Strike, Congress made Labor Day a federal holiday in 1894 to show support for workers across the country.

Who led the American Railway Union?

What city was near the Pullman Company?

In which year did the Pullman Strike occur?

Why did workers strike at Pullman?

What was the government’s main reason for intervening?

What did the court injunction order workers to do?

The Pullman Strike led to Labor Day. (True/False)

What does "boycott" mean?