The Steel Strike of 1919

About

The Great Steel Strike of 1919 was a pivotal event in American labor history, involving between 250,000 and 365,000 workers. It began on September 22, 1919, and lasted until January 8, 1920. The strike was an attempt by the American Federation of Labor (AFL) to organize the steel industry, particularly United States Steel, which was a dominant force in the sector. The AFL formed a coalition of 24 unions to lead the organizing effort, with the Amalgamated Association of Iron, Steel and Tin Workers playing a key role. The strike was part of a broader wave of labor actions in 1919, with four million workers across the U.S. participating in various strikes. The steel strike was met with resistance from employers, who used tactics like strikebreaking and propaganda to turn public opinion against the strikers. The strike ultimately failed to achieve its goals, but it marked a significant moment in the struggle for labor rights in the steel industry. The strike's failure was influenced by factors such as the Red Scare and internal union conflicts, setting the stage for future labor movements in the 1930s.