Haymarket affair

The Haymarket Affair was a pivotal event in U.S. labor history that took place on May 4, 1886, in Chicago. It began as a peaceful rally supporting workers striking for an eight-hour workday. The gathering turned violent when a bomb was thrown at police, leading to chaos and clashes. Several people were killed, and in the aftermath, police arrested and convicted numerous anarchists and labor leaders, sparking widespread controversy and debate over labor rights and free speech. The affair highlighted tensions between workers advocating for rights and the authorities, marking a significant moment in the labor movement.