Labor History

Today in Labor History May 3, 1849: A popular rebellion broke out in Dresden. The militant Russian anarchist, Mikhail Bakunin, helped lead the uprising. The authorities captured and imprisoned him in the Konigstein fortress and condemned him to death. However, they eventually released him. Composer Richard Wagner also participated. But he fled to Switzerland to avoid arrest. […]

Today in Labor History May 2, 1886: Twenty-five hundred workers marched in Milwaukee for the 8-hour day. They chanted, “The workmen do not beg, they demand.” As a result, Governor Jeremiah Rusk supplied the Milwaukee National Guard headquarters with increased ammunition. He also provided the police force with additional artillery. 1900s-1910s May 2, 1908: Members

1800s-1860s Today In Labor History May 1, 1807: The Slave Trade Act of 1807 abolished slavery in the British Empire. May 1, 1830: Mary Harris “Mother” Jones was born. Mother Jones was renowned for her militancy and fiery oration, as well as her many juicy quotes. She once said, “I’m no lady. I’m a hell-raiser.”  She

Camp Grant Massacre Today in Labor History April 30, 1871: A mob massacred more than 100 Apaches at Camp Grant, Arizona. The Apaches had already surrendered and placed themselves under U.S. protection when the attack occurred. As a result, the Apache, and their Yavapai allies, launched a series of attacks against the U.S. Their attacks continued into 1875.

Coxey’s Army Today in Labor History April 29, 1894: Jacob Coxey led a group of 500 unemployed workers to Washington, D.C. They demanded federal jobs for the poor. The authorities promptly arrested Coxey and many of his followers for trespassing on Capitol grounds. The Return of Coxey’s Army (By Eddie Starr) When they busted all the