Pullman+Strike+of+1894

=Pullman Strike of 1894 =

Worker Conditions:
George Pullman created a town where all the workers lived. Named Pullman, this town was a model town for his workers. Pullman became the beloved benefactor of 12,000 happy individuals" Pullman wanted to maximize profits, so the workers’ wages were reduced by 25%

The Increase in Costs:
Pullman increased his prices even though the cost of him buying it did not go up. He did this in order to get more profits in a bad economy.

The Committee for Comromise:
On April, 1894, increasing numbers of angry Pullman employees began joining the newly formed union, the American Railway Union. The ARU supported the strikers by boycotting the use of  Pullman cars. On May 9, 1894, a grievance committee of 45 workers asked for a compromise of their wages and rents. Pullman claimed business conditions didn't call for a wage increase and that rents and wages were not relatable. Opposition between the managers and the workers increased, convincing the workers to strike.

The Walk-Out:
The next day, most railroad workers walked out from their jobs, with the intention of striking until their needs were met by Pullman. Many also joined the Railroad Workers’ Union.

**Results:**
Pullman’ workforce and the stability of his business were compromised, and workers had time to organize what they wanted from the company.

The Union Meeting:
The Railroad Union met during July in Chicago. It was attended by many Pullman strikers, who received resounding approval for their actions . Workers were encouraged to continue the strike.

**Results**:
A boycott was proposed of all Pullman trains, as to coerce Pullman economically into accepting the workers’ conditions. Pullman workers continued the strike. Also, non-Pullman rail workers started striking across the nation.

The Boycott:
A national boycott was organized. All railroad workers in the Union, as well as their friends and family, refused to travel or ship goods by Pullman rails. Approximately 150,000 people across 27 states boycotted.

Results:
Pullman trains were so heavily boycotted that the rail system effectively froze during the summer of 1894. Federal troops were elicited to protect trains from the crowds.

The Rally:
The mob of idle workers marched to the rail stations, hurling insults at passing trains. Workers were shot at by Federal t roops, who received this authority from the interruption of trains vital to the Federal government.

Results:
This is the first example of Federal troops suppressing a riot by force against a state's will.

**What ended the revolt?**
The Union was disemboweled by a combination of the Federal Government disbanding them under the Sherman Anti-Trust Act, and the conviction of their leader, Eugene Debs. Thus, the strike and boycott were officially ended on August 2nd.

**How did conditions change for workers?**
Though 2,000 striking workers were rehired, many were not. This brought economic destruction upon them and their families. The strike was a success, but the effects were not widely enjoyed.

revolt?
Pullman was never again able to trust hi workers, and they were treated more strictly than before. Also, though worker wages were raised, the profits and salaries of upper management received no signifigant cut.

Sources

American History, s.v. "Pullman strike," accessed May 16, 2011. http://americanhistory.abc-clio.com/. American History, s.v. "Pullman strike," Image, North Wind Picture Archives, accessed May 16, 2011. http://americanhistory.abc-clio.com/. Brewer, David. //Ruling of Supreme Court on Eugene Debs.// Washington, DC: Supreme Court, 1895. Gompers, Samuel. //Letter to Judge Peter Grossup Concerning Imprisonment of Eugene Debs.// Chicago: Letter, 1894. Ladd, Keith. //The Pullman Strike: Chicago, 1894.// Kansas City: Kansas Heritage, 1998. Rohde, Andrea. //Pullman Strike of 1894.// Chicago: University of St. Francis, 2006.

Pictures

Pullman Portrait: http://americanhistory.abc-clio.com/assets/mediaserver/AmericanHistory/2715/271531w.jpg Railway Union Poster: http://americanhistory.abc-clio.com/Search/Display/326379?terms=railway+union Train and Mob: http://webs.rps205.com/curriculum/ssandvoc/images/D946FCF6E2A7471B8440F75562729A7E.png Train with Escort: http://americanhistory.abc-clio.com/Search/Display/290194?terms=Pullman+Strike+of+1894