The Pullman Strike

Worksheet Description

This worksheet provides an informative look at the Pullman Strike and its connection to Labor Day in the United States. The first part recounts the history of Labor Day, noting its first observance in New York City on September 5, 1882, and emphasizing that it was not yet a federal holiday but was organized by labor unions. The second paragraph describes the Pullman Strike of 1894, when the American Railway Union in Illinois protested against the Pullman factory in Chicago. This led to a nationwide transportation crisis, and President Grover Cleveland responded by deploying Army troops to restore order, an action that resulted in violence and fatalities among workers. In the aftermath, to reconcile with labor groups, President Cleveland established Labor Day as a federal holiday.

The worksheet includes true or false questions about the nature of Labor Day’s status as a federal holiday during its first celebration and the location of the Pullman Strike. It also prompts students to identify which president declared Labor Day a federal holiday and asks for a description of the events during the Pullman Strike. This educational activity is designed to enhance students’ knowledge of important historical events related to labor rights and the evolution of this significant public holiday.