Marking the 140th Anniversary of the Great Railroad Strike of 1877

Summary

In this compelling interview at the B&O Railroad Museum, labor historian Bill Barry discusses the significance of the Great Railroad Strike of 1877, marking its 140th anniversary. He delves into the strike's origins in Baltimore, its spread across the nation, and the violent response from authorities, including the use of Gatling guns and the intervention of federal troops. Barry highlights the strike's role in shaping labor movements, workers' rights, and its relevance to modern struggles. He emphasizes the importance of remembering such historical events as a guide for future labor actions.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Great Railroad Strike of 1877 began in Baltimore at Camden Yards and spread across the U.S., involving over 100,000 workers protesting wage cuts.
• 😀 Despite being a crucial moment in U.S. labor history, the Railroad Strike is largely forgotten and underrepresented in history books.
• 😀 Railroad executives, led by John Garrett, cut workers' wages by 10% during a depression while maintaining high dividends for stockholders and executive pay.
• 😀 The strike was sparked when workers in Baltimore, after learning about the wage cuts, refused to work, and the protest quickly escalated across the country.
• 😀 The U.S. Army and militias were called in to suppress the strike, leading to violence, including the deaths of 10 people in Baltimore and hundreds of injuries nationwide.
• 😀 The use of Gatling machine guns by the military was a key tactic in the suppression of the strike, highlighting the violent response to labor unrest.
• 😀 The Pinkerton detective agency played a significant role in surveilling and infiltrating labor movements, often portraying workers negatively in their publications.
• 😀 President Rutherford B. Hayes, despite promising to withdraw federal troops from the South, sent the Army to break the strike, showcasing the government’s alignment with industrial interests.
• 😀 Bill Barry, the labor historian, emphasizes the importance of understanding labor history as it provides a roadmap for future struggles and informs the fight for workers' rights today.
• 😀 The 1877 strike served as a precursor to later labor movements, influencing significant labor legislation like the Railway Labor Act of 1924.

Q & A

What was the significance of the 1877 Railroad Strike?

The 1877 Railroad Strike was a major labor event that began in Baltimore and spread nationwide. Over 100,000 workers participated, protesting wage cuts and poor working conditions. It was marked by violence, with military intervention and the deaths of 10 people in Baltimore alone. The strike is significant as it highlighted the growing tension between workers and industrialists, shaping labor movements in the U.S.

Why was the 1877 Railroad Strike largely ignored in history books?

Despite its importance, the 1877 Railroad Strike was largely ignored in history books due to its controversial nature and the framing of the event as a 'riot' or 'insurrection'. Historians and labor advocates like Bill Barry emphasize the need for better awareness and education about the strike's significance in worker's rights history.

How did the strike start, and what were the main causes?

The strike began on July 16, 1877, in Camden Yards, Baltimore, when railroad workers were told of a 10% wage cut. The workers refused to work, initiating the strike. The main cause was the second round of wage cuts imposed by railroad companies, even as the industry remained profitable. Workers protested the cuts, while executives maintained their profits and salaries.

What role did the military play in the 1877 Railroad Strike?

The military played a crucial role in quelling the strike. The U.S. government sent federal troops to Baltimore and other cities to suppress the strikers. The use of Gatling machine guns and the intervention of troops highlighted the intense repression faced by the workers. This event marked the growing power of the federal government in handling labor unrest.

What impact did the 1877 Railroad Strike have on labor movements in the U.S.?

The 1877 Railroad Strike was a pivotal moment in U.S. labor history. It brought national attention to the struggles of industrial workers and led to the formation of stronger labor organizations. Although the strike was crushed, it laid the groundwork for future labor movements, including the creation of the Railway Labor Act in 1924.

Why was the portrayal of workers in media and literature often negative during the strike?

Workers, especially immigrants, were often depicted in a negative light in media and literature. Figures like Allan Pinkerton portrayed workers as violent or even animalistic. This portrayal was part of a larger effort to dehumanize the working class and justify the use of force to suppress their movements.

What was the role of the Pinkerton National Detective Agency during the strike?

The Pinkerton National Detective Agency, led by Allan Pinkerton, played a significant role in spying on and undermining labor movements during the strike. Pinkerton agents were involved in infiltrating unions and engaging in violent tactics to suppress workers, including during the 1877 strike.

What was the relationship between local militias and the railroad during the strike?

Local militias were often composed of railroad workers or their relatives, which created a complex dynamic during the strike. While some militias sided with the railroad companies, others sympathized with the strikers. This was evident in places like Pittsburgh, where railroad workers were pitted against each other.

How did the 1877 Railroad Strike influence later strikes and labor laws?

The 1877 Railroad Strike set the stage for future labor actions, including the Pullman Strike of 1894. The strike’s failure highlighted the need for better protection of workers’ rights, leading to legislative changes such as the Railway Labor Act of 1924, which gave workers some legal protections.

What are the parallels between the 1877 Railroad Strike and today's labor movements?

The struggles faced by workers during the 1877 Railroad Strike have parallels with today’s labor movements. Issues such as wage cuts, corporate greed, and the fight for workers' rights remain relevant. The memory of the strike serves as a reminder of the power of collective action and the importance of standing up for workers' rights.