The Haymarket Affair and Its Impact

In the 1880s, the U.S. experienced significant industrial growth, leading to labor conflicts, particularly in Chicago at the McCormick factory. Workers sought an 8-hour workday, resulting in strikes and violence. The Haymarket Affair, a protest against police brutality, turned deadly when a bomb was thrown, leading to a crackdown on labor movements. Despite a lack of evidence, eight men were convicted, and the event fueled anti-union sentiment, highlighting tensions between workers and businesses.

What major changes were occurring in the United States during the 1880s?

• Decline in industrial production

• Decrease in urban population

• Technological stagnation

• Political, social, and economic changes

What was the main reason for the general strike on May 1, 1886?

• To demand higher wages

• To limit the workday to eight hours

• To protest against child labor

• To support the McCormick family

Which group of workers was primarily involved in the conflict at McCormick Harvester Works?

• German workers

• Chinese immigrants

• Irish union workers

• Italian laborers

What triggered the violence at the McCormick factory on May 3, 1886?

• A disagreement over lunch breaks

• A visit from a government official

• Union workers discovering non-union workers received the eight-hour workday

• A fire in the factory

What event marked the beginning of the Haymarket Riot?

• A police demand to disperse the meeting

• A peaceful protest

• A speech by August Spees

• A factory explosion

Who were primarily blamed for the Haymarket Riot by the public?

• The McCormick family

• The police

• The organized labor movement and anarchists

• The government

What was the public's perception of immigrants after the Haymarket Riot?

• They were ignored in the aftermath

• They were blamed for introducing foreign ideas

• They were celebrated for their contributions

• They were seen as beneficial to the economy

What was the main focus of the speeches at the Haymarket meeting?

• Celebration of industrial growth

• Promotion of new manufacturing techniques

• Protest against police brutality

• Support for the McCormick family

What was the outcome of the trial following the Haymarket Riot?

• All accused were acquitted

• Four men were executed

• The trial was postponed indefinitely

• The accused were pardoned

How did the Haymarket Riot affect the labor movement in the United States?

• It caused a decline in union membership

• It strengthened union membership

• It had no significant impact

• It led to increased wages