The Pullman strike was caused by a number of factors, including:
- Wage cuts: In the midst of the economic recession, the Pullman Palace Car Company cut the wages of its workers. This was unacceptable to the workers, who were already living in poverty.
- Unsafe working conditions: The workers at the Pullman plant worked in dangerous and unhealthy conditions. They were exposed to toxic chemicals and were often required to work long hours without breaks.
- Company town: The Pullman plant was located in a company town, which meant that the company controlled all aspects of life for the workers. The workers were required to live in company housing, shop in company stores, and attend company schools.
- Union busting: The Pullman company was hostile to unions and actively worked to prevent its workers from organizing.
These factors combined to create a climate of discontent among the workers at the Pullman plant. When the company cut wages in 1894, the workers decided to strike.
The Pullman strike spread quickly to other parts of the country, and it soon became a national crisis. The federal government intervened in the strike, and President Grover Cleveland sent troops to Chicago to suppress the violence.
The strike was ultimately defeated, but it had a major impact on the American labor movement. It helped to raise awareness of the plight of workers and led to the passage of several important labor laws, including the Sherman Antitrust Act and the Clayton Antitrust Act.