Chicago Haymarket Affair

The Chicago Haymarket Affair, which took place in 1886, was a pivotal event in labor history. It began as a peaceful rally for workers' rights, advocating for an eight-hour workday. On May 4, tensions escalated when a bomb was thrown at the police, leading to chaos and violence. The aftermath saw the arrest and conviction of several labor activists, raising questions about justice and political repression. This event highlighted the struggles for labor rights in America and eventually contributed to the establishment of International Workers' Day, celebrated on May 1st worldwide.