The Haymarket Bombing

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Recommended: Labor unions during the late 1800s

In his book Death in the Haymarket, James Green recounted the American labor movement in the late 1800s. Green’s main focus in his book was the bombing of Haymarket, which occurred on May 4 of 1886. Beginning as a peaceful protest promoting the eight-hour work day, a bomb was thrown causing devastating consequences. The Haymarket bombing almost ended the labor movement altogether, with unjustified trials and fear implemented amongst all Americans. However, it is important to know that the Haymarket bombing is not just an isolated event. From starting out with wage cuts, to people going on strike, labor unions starting up, to almost losing the labor movement altogether. The Haymarket bombing Although the Haymarket bombing is an extremely Since factories started to incorporate machines through industrialization, the required long hours were not needed anymore. The working class wanted to have more freedom away from their jobs. “They also desired more free time to rest, eat their dinners, enjoy conversations and drink beer” (Green 162). Since the rest of America was enjoying freedom, the working class wanted to have a part in it as well. The idea of not being dependent on their wages, was extremely important to the working class at this time. Also with factories mainly supplying unskilled work, skilled workers started to feel degraded in their proud craft. “By the same token, proud American and European craftsmen viewed other forms of unskilled or menial labor as degrading” (Green 107). Although factories allowed their skilled workers to keep their jobs, they expected them to take a pay cut. Also with the pay cut, the skilled workers were forced to give up the skilled work that they took pride in. With workers becoming frustrated with not having freedom and, skilled workers not being treated fairly unions were Also the book demonstrates the many different events that led up to the Haymarket bombing; with the wage cuts, to the strikes, labor unions being built and finally to the Haymarket bombing. The book Death in the Haymarket followed the events of the labor movement through its largest struggle. The bombing in Haymarket caused a major divide between Americans during the late 1800s and almost ended that labor movement. “The people of Chicago lost any chance for the social peace all classes desired; instead, they inherited the “bone deep grudges” that would rest on their shoulders for decades to come” (Green 319). With everything that built up the labor movement, it was all halted that May 4 day in

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