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Haymarket Affair

Chicago (1886)

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What problems did the workers have?

  • Dangerous and unhealthy working conditions (lead to low expectancy- many workers only living until their 20’s)
  • 12 hours days
  • Low wages

What Problems did the owners/management have?

  • Employees granted themselves 8 hour days without the consent of the management
  • Worrying about striking employees

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What actions did the workers take?

  • The workers went on strike, demanding 8 hour work days, fair wages and better conditions
  • They formed Labor Unions to help fight for their rights
  • A meeting organized by anarchists and socialist labor leaders calling for all workingmen was held in Haymarket Square.

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What actions did the management take?

The judiciary system took action.

-The police fired into the crowd

-Suspects were brought to court, 7 sentenced to death, 1 to 15 years in prison, with one committing suicide before his hanging and 3 having their sentences changed from death to life in prison.

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What was the significance of this event?

-The Haymarket Affair was that it was setback for American labor/industry.

- The mistreated workers fought for the eight-hour day.

-Many deaths and injured people due to shots fired, including both police man and workers.

-It is considered the origin of the holiday, International May Day observances for workers.

-The Haymarket Affair set off a wave of xenophobia throughout the United States.

-Eight men labeled as anarchist were convicted in trial linking to the bombing. Judge Joseph E. Gary sentenced seven of the men to death and the eighth to 15 years in prison. On November 11th, 1887, four of the men were hanged. One of the additional three committed suicide on the eve of his execution and the other two had their death sentences changed to life in prison by Illinois Governor Richard J. Oglesby.

-Public opinion was divided. For some this event led to anti labor sentiment whilst others believed the men had been convicted unfairly and view them as martyrs.

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Effects/ results

  • The Knights of Labor loses credibility and is associated with violence.
  • The American Federation of Labor replaces them as the leading union for workers rights eventually gaining better working conditions, higher pay, and shorter hours (by 1900 leading union in US)