May 1st 1886, workers nationally launched a general strike in a struggle to demand an 8 hour work day, higher wages and better working conditions for the millions of men, women and children that worked in factories, in mines and on the railroads during the industrial revolution. The city of Chicago was virtually paralyzed because the workers left their job.
Over 500,000 people left their jobs and poured into the street on May 1st. The state answered with police repression and violence.
On the 3rd day of striking, police fired randomly into crowds of fleeing strikers, killing four and wounding many more.
In response to the deadly state violence, the workers organized a peaceful demonstration at Haymarket Square on May 4th. There was an explosion as the police marched to confront a demonstration. 7 policemen eventually died. The police opened fire on the crowd and massacred an unknown number of workers. The event was never investigated.
The police arrested eight revolutionary labor leaders and charged with the deaths of the policemen. Seven had not been present in Haymarket at the time. In the absence of any real evidence, the "Chicago Eight" were tried solely on the basis of their political beliefs. All eight were sentenced to death; 4 were hanged, 1 committed suicide in jail and 3 were later pardoned.
Around the world, May 1st is celebrated as international workers day.
**image from Northland Poster Collective
