The Great Southwest Railroad Strike of 1886

The Great Southwest Railroad Strike of 1886 was a major labor protest involving workers on railroads in the southwestern United States. Employees, frustrated by poor working conditions, low wages, and long hours, stopped work to demand better treatment. The strike disrupted railroad operations across multiple states, affecting goods and travel. Authorities and railroad companies responded with force to break the strike, leading to clashes and arrests. This event highlighted the growing tension between laborers seeking fair treatment and powerful corporations, contributing to the broader labor movement and ongoing discussions about workers’ rights in the late 19th century.