The Steel Strike of 1919 and its Outcome

The Steel Strike of 1919 was a labor strike that took place in the United States between September 22nd and November 15th of that year. The strike was called by the Amalgamated Association of Iron, Steel, and Tin Workers (AAISTW) and involved more than 350,000 steelworkers in over a dozen states.

Background of the Strike

The strike was a result of the AAISTW's dissatisfaction with the wages and working conditions of steelworkers. The AAISTW had been negotiating with the steel industry since 1916, but the industry had been unwilling to make any concessions. The AAISTW then decided to call a strike in order to pressure the industry into making changes.

The strike was not without its challenges. The steel industry was well-prepared for the strike, having hired thousands of replacement workers and having organized the American Legion to serve as a private police force to protect their property. The strike also faced opposition from the federal government, which had declared the strike illegal and had threatened to use the military to break it up.

The Course of the Strike

The strike started on September 22nd and quickly spread to steel mills across the country. The strikers faced violence from the police and the American Legion, and many strikers were arrested and beaten. In response, the AAISTW organized mass rallies and marches to protest the violence and to pressure the industry to make concessions.

The strike was a success in some regards. The industry was forced to make some concessions, including a 10% wage increase and improved working conditions. However, the strikers were not able to get the industry to recognize the AAISTW as a union.

The Aftermath of the Strike

The strike was ultimately unsuccessful in the sense that it did not achieve the AAISTW's ultimate goal of union recognition. However, it did have a significant impact on the labor movement in the United States. The strike helped to bring attention to the plight of steelworkers and other industrial laborers, and it helped to lay the groundwork for future labor struggles.

The strike also had a long-term impact on the steel industry. The industry was forced to make some concessions, and it was also forced to recognize the power of the labor movement. This recognition helped to pave the way for future labor negotiations, and it also helped to create a more equitable balance of power between the industry and the labor movement.

Conclusion

The Steel Strike of 1919 was an important moment in the history of the labor movement in the United States. The strike highlighted the plight of steelworkers and other industrial laborers, and it helped to lay the groundwork for future labor struggles. The strike was ultimately unsuccessful in achieving its ultimate goal of union recognition, but it did have a lasting impact on the industry and the labor movement.