The event, a significant labor dispute, commenced in 1877 amid widespread economic depression following the Panic of 1873. Triggered by successive wage cuts on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, it quickly spread across the nation, involving numerous rail lines and workers. Characterized by widespread protests, work stoppages, and acts of vandalism, the disruption significantly impacted transportation and commerce.
The importance of this labor action lies in its demonstration of the growing tensions between labor and capital during the Gilded Age. It highlighted the vulnerability of workers in the face of corporate power and government support for business interests. Moreover, the scale and intensity of the unrest exposed deep-seated social and economic inequalities, leading to increased awareness and discussion of labor issues. The government’s response, including the deployment of federal troops, established a precedent for federal intervention in labor disputes and underscored the limits of workers’ power at the time.
