The Pullman Strike was one of the most significant labor movements in American history. It was led by Eugene V. Debs and the American Railway Union, and it involved railway workers across the country who refused to handle Pullman Palace Car Company train cars due to low wages and poor working conditions. The strike lasted for two months and ultimately led to the involvement of the federal government and the use of military force to break it up.
Teaching students about the Pullman Strike can provide valuable insight into the struggles of American workers and the importance of organized labor. Here are some tips for teaching students about this important event in American history:
1. Provide Historical Context
Before delving into the specifics of the Pullman Strike, it is important to provide students with historical context. Teach them about the rise of industrialization in America, the growth of capitalism, and the rise of organized labor movements. Students should understand the economic and social conditions that led to the formation of labor unions in the late 19th century.
2. Discuss the Causes of the Strike
The Pullman Strike was sparked by low wages and poor working conditions at the Pullman Palace Car Company. The company, which was owned by George Pullman, housed its workers in a company town and charged high rents for substandard living conditions. Discuss these issues with students and explain how they contributed to the formation of the strike.
3. Explore the Role of Eugene V. Debs
Eugene V. Debs was a key figure in the Pullman Strike. He was the leader of the American Railway Union and worked tirelessly to organize railway workers across the country. Discuss Debs’ role in the strike and his influence on the labor movement in America.
4. Analyze the Government’s Response
The federal government became involved in the Pullman Strike when mail delivery was disrupted by the strike. President Grover Cleveland ordered troops to break up the strike, leading to violence and arrests. Analyze the government’s response with students and discuss the impact of this response on the labor movement.
5. Discuss the Legacy of the Strike
The Pullman Strike was a significant event in American labor history, and its legacy is still felt today. Discuss the impact the strike had on the labor movement, as well as its relevance to current labor issues. Encourage students to think critically about the role of labor in American society and the importance of workers’ rights.
Teaching students about the Pullman Strike is an important way to help them understand the struggles of American workers and the significance of organized labor. By providing historical context, exploring the causes of the strike, analyzing the government’s response, and discussing its legacy, students can gain a deeper understanding of this important event in American history.
