The Haymarket affair was a period of labor unrest and violence that took place in Chicago during the late 19th century. The events culminated in the Haymarket bombing on May 4, 1886, which killed and injured dozens of people and led to the arrest of eight anarchists. The trial and subsequent execution of four of the anarchists became a watershed moment in the history of labor relations and civil liberties in the United States.
Timeline
The Haymarket affair began in May 1886, when workers in Chicago organized a general strike to demand the eight-hour workday. On May 3, a peaceful protest was held at Haymarket Square, but it turned violent when a bomb was thrown into the crowd of protesters and police officers. The resulting melee left several people dead and injured, and eight anarchists were arrested and charged with murder.
The trial of the anarchists began in June 1886 and lasted several months. The prosecution presented evidence linking the defendants to the bomb-throwing, while the defense argued that they were innocent and that the police had framed them. The trial was widely publicized and became a national spectacle, with many prominent figures weighing in on the case.
In August 1886, the jury reached a verdict and found all eight defendants guilty of murder. Seven of the defendants were sentenced to death, while one was sentenced to 15 years in prison. The verdict sparked outrage and protests across the country, and many appealed for clemency for the condemned men.
However, the Illinois Supreme Court upheld the convictions in 1887, and four of the anarchists were executed by hanging on November 11, 1887. The remaining three anarchists were eventually pardoned in 1893 after spending several years in prison.
Legacy
The Haymarket affair had a profound impact on the labor movement and civil liberties in the United States. The execution of the four anarchists solidified their status as martyrs for the labor movement, and their deaths became a rallying cry for workers' rights and social justice. The affair also led to the establishment of May 1 as International Workers' Day, which is celebrated around the world to commemorate the struggles and achievements of workers.