As I write this, I hope all is good with you. I took part in the 1894 Pullman Strike because I was extremely disturbed by the unfavorable working circumstances that Pullman Company employees had to endure. I decided to take a stand because of the unfair treatment we suffered at the hands of factory owners. Also, the government's lack of response to our complaints showed that it did not support workers' rights. This significant turning point in labor history strengthened my resolve to fight for improved working conditions and equitable treatment.

For me, taking part in the Pullman Strike of 1894 was a turning point that had roots in both social justice and personal issues. My engagement began with the Pullman Company's significant salary cuts, which came about in the absence of a commensurate drop in rent for company-owned accommodation. Workers were severely financially strained as a result of this action, which heightened already-existing tensions between the labor force and management. Being a member of the American Railway Union allowed me to personally witness the desperation of my coworkers, many of whom were struggling to provide for their families. This experience sparked a feeling of unity among us. Joining the strike was a collective declaration of our rights and dignity as workers, not just a response to our situation.
After trying in every peaceful manner we could think of to reach the hard heart of the Pullman company—every overture being rejected, every suggestion being denied, every proposition being met with contempt—100,000 railroad workers, our fellow members of the American Railway Union, empathized with them, shared their earnings with them, and decided not to contaminate their hands and dishonor their manhood by handling Pullman cars.

The Pullman Strike was a violent confrontation between us railroad workers and the Pullman Palace Car Company of Illinois

The Pullman Strike was a significant part of our history that brought attention to the challenges laborers faced in seeking justice and dignity. It was made clear how corporate power clashes with government intervention in labor matters. When us workers spoke up for our rights, We battled for better working conditions and compensation as well as respect for our inherent dignity. My participation in this demonstration will allow me to advocate for the widespread need for change. Together, we fight for the rights of workers across the nation in an effort to create a more just and equal workplace.

I appreciate your time and attention to this letter. I look forward to your response.
Sincerely, Tegan Evans

check my essay

3 answers

Your essay powerfully captures the essence of the Pullman Strike and the motivations behind your participation. Here are some suggestions and observations to enhance clarity, coherence, and overall impact:

Structure & Clarity

  1. Introduction: While your introduction communicates your feelings and experience, you might want to more clearly outline the significance of the Pullman Strike right at the beginning. This will set the context for your letter.

  2. Transitions: Improve the connectivity between paragraphs. For instance, you could use transitional phrases or sentences at the end of a paragraph to segue into the next topic seamlessly.

  3. Conclusion: Your conclusion wraps up your thoughts but could benefit from a stronger closing statement that reinforces the urgency of the labor movement and leaves a lasting impression.

Content Suggestions

  1. Personal Anecdotes: Consider adding more personal stories or specific incidents that illustrate your emotional journey or the plight of your coworkers. This will add a human touch and create more empathy from the reader.

  2. Historical Context: If space allows, briefly mentioning the broader national context (such as the economic conditions of the time or recent events impacting labor movements) could provide a richer backdrop for your personal narrative.

  3. Language & Tone: The essay utilizes a formal tone, which is appropriate, but you might want to vary the sentence structure occasionally for better flow. Shorter sentences can create a sense of urgency, while longer ones can provide depth.

Grammar & Mechanics

  1. "the Pullman Company’s significant salary cuts…” - This could be slightly rephrased to "the significant salary cuts implemented by the Pullman Company…”

  2. "being a member of the American Railway Union…” - This could be reworded for conciseness, for instance, "As a member of the American Railway Union, I witnessed…”

  3. “the Pullman Palace Car Company of Illinois” - Consider rephrasing to "the Pullman Palace Car Company," as the location may not be necessary unless it adds context.

  4. "We battled for better working conditions and compensation as well as respect for our inherent dignity.” - Consider breaking this into two sentences for clarity and impact.

Final Thoughts

Overall, your letter is compelling and insightful, effectively conveying the struggle of workers during the Pullman Strike. With some refinement in structure, clarity, and engagement with personal experiences, it can become even more persuasive. Keep the passion in your writing—it resonates strongly!

can u add these adjustments to my essay

Here’s a revised version of your essay incorporating the suggested adjustments for improved clarity, coherence, and emotional impact:


Dear [Recipient's Name],

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to share my experiences during the 1894 Pullman Strike, a pivotal moment in labor history that underscored the struggle for workers' rights and social justice. My decision to participate stemmed from a deep disturbance regarding the unjust working conditions that Pullman Company employees endured, as well as the lack of government support for our grievances. This experience strengthened my resolve to advocate for improved working conditions and equitable treatment for all workers.

The Pullman Strike became a personal turning point for me, rooted in both social justice and individual struggles. My journey began with the significant salary cuts imposed by the Pullman Company, which occurred without a corresponding reduction in rent for the company-owned housing. Many of my fellow workers were severely financially strained, heightening the already tense relationship between the labor force and management. As a member of the American Railway Union, I witnessed firsthand the desperation of my coworkers, many of whom struggled to provide for their families. This shared experience ignited a profound sense of unity among us. By joining the strike, we collectively declared our rights and dignity as workers—not merely responding to our immediate situation but standing up for something far greater.

After exhausting every peaceful means of communication with the Pullman Company—every overture rejected, every suggestion denied, and every proposition met with contempt—over 100,000 railroad workers, our fellow union members, empathized with our plight. We chose not to handle Pullman cars, refusing to compromise our principles and manhood in the face of injustice.

The Pullman Strike evolved into a violent confrontation between railroad workers and the Pullman Palace Car Company. It highlighted the significant clash between corporate power and government intervention in labor matters. As workers, we fought not only for better working conditions and fair compensation but also for respect for our inherent dignity. My participation in this movement has allowed me to advocate for crucial changes, reinforcing the need for workers' rights across the nation. Together, we strive for a more just and equitable workplace for all.

I appreciate your time and attention to this letter and look forward to your response.

Sincerely,
Tegan Evans


Feel free to adjust any specific details or phrases to better align with your voice or intent!