The Great Railroad Strike of 1877

The Great Railroad Strike of 1877 was a nationwide labor protest triggered by wage cuts and poor working conditions among railroad workers. It began in West Virginia and quickly spread to other states, disrupting freight and passenger services. Workers demanded better pay, safer conditions, and recognition of workers’ rights. The strike led to violent clashes between workers and authorities, prompting government intervention. It marked one of the first major strikes in U.S. history, highlighting tensions between labor and industry during rapid industrial growth. The strike underscored workers’ struggles for fair treatment and influenced future labor movements.