1. The Pullman Strike Chicago, 1894
Interior of a Pullman Sleeper Car

2. As you learn about Pullman
How successful was organized labor in improving the position of workers in during the Pullman Strikes? Analyze the factors that contributed to the level of success achieved.

3. Pullman Palace Car Company
Railway car company owned by George Pullman
Over 6,000 workers
Workers had lived in “company town”
Conditions in Pullman towns were generally much better than in other factory towns
Rent was 25% higher than other areas
Pullman, Illinois

4. Origins of the Strike Historical Context: Depression of 1893
Pullman cuts workers’ wages
But doesn’t cut rent for apartments

5. Strike Begins
May 10, Workers walk out

6. ARU Supports Pullman Workers
American Railway Union is a NATIONAL union of railway workers
Eugene Debs, ARU leader, decides to support Pullman strikers
Across the nation, railway workers refused to run trains that had Pullman cars attached to them
The country is paralyzed

7. Eugene Debs

8. President Grover Cleveland sends in troops

9. Violence Erupts Presence of Federal troops sets off riots
Rioters burn buildings, troops kill 4 and wound 20

10. End of Strike By August 1894, strike fell apart
1000 union workers fired
New workers have to sign contracts promising not to join a union
Federal injunction demands end of strikes.

11. Debs ignores injunction and appeals to the Supreme Court.
Supreme court finds in favor of the federal government and Deb’s was arrested and jailed for 6 months