Event: haymarket affair

Question

Cause and effect on haymarket affair

The Haymarket Riot occurred in Chicago on May 4, 1886, when police broke up a
workers' demonstration organized by alleged anarchists. On May 3 laborers had
battled police at the McCormick Reaper plant, which had hired nonunion workers
during a strike called to obtain an 8-hour working day. One person was killed, and
the organizers accused the police of brutality, calling a protest rally at Haymarket
Square the next day. When police tried to disperse the crowd, a bomb exploded in
police ranks and rioting erupted. Eleven people were killed. The bomber was never
identified, but eight anarchist leaders were convicted as accessories to murder.
Four were hanged, one committed suicide, and three were jailed. In 1893, Gov.
John Peter Altgeld of Illinois pardoned the three survivors, citing an unfair trial.Chicago, ILL, May 4. —Great were the expectations of the socialistic leaders of running the meeting they had called for to-night. As early as 7:30 o’clock had
been mentioned for the speaking, when the excitement would begin. The place chosen was the old hay market on Randolph street, capable of holding from
15,000 to 20,000 men. . . . The scene around the market about 8 p.m. showed that the scattered group of men loitering in the vicinity would make a crowd
numbering not to exceed 1500.
A man who was standing in the crowd received a pistol ball in the thigh and has just been brought to the Central police station. He said that during the
progress of the socialistic meeting a squad of officers marched by close to the speakers’ stand. Some one shouted, “kill the d—ds.” Almost as soon as the
words had been uttered three bombs were thrown from near the stand into the midst of the squad of officers. They exploded instantly and five policemen
fell.
Others were wounded, and several of the socialists did not escape. . . .
Later—more coherent accounts are coming in and they point to a much more disastrous affray than was at first reported. . . . At the time of the throwing of
the bombs the crowd had dwindled down to less than a thousand.
The utterances of the speakers were still of a most inflammatory character, however, and the hearers who still remained grew riotous in demeanor. The
police concluded to put an end to the disturbance, and advancing, ordered the crowd to disperse. At first the socialists fell back slowly, one of the speakers
still urging them to stand firm. Suddenly the bombs were thrown. The police retorted instantly with a volley from their revolvers. The rioters answered with
theirs, which shots showed they were provided with pistols. The mob appeared crazed with a frantic desire for blood, and hold ing its ground, poured volley
after volley into the midst of the officers. The latter fought gallantly and at last dispersed the mob and cleared the marketplace.
—Fort Worth Daily Gazette, Wednesday, May 5, 1886

Answer 1

The Haymarket Affair, a pivotal moment in labor history, had significant causes and effects that shaped both public perception of labor movements and policy towards workers' rights. Here’s a breakdown of the main causes and effects:

Causes:

1. Labor Struggles for Rights: The push for an 8-hour workday was a major catalyst for the protests. Workers were increasingly frustrated with long hours, poor working conditions, and low wages, leading to widespread unrest and the formation of labor unions.

2. Police Violence: The immediate trigger for the Haymarket rally was the violent clash on May 3, 1886, at the McCormick Reaper plant where police intervened violently against striking workers, resulting in one death. This heavy-handed approach by the police galvanized activists and laid the groundwork for the protest.

3. Rise of Anarchism and Radicalism: The period saw a rise in anarchist sentiments, particularly among segments of the labor movement that sought radical change. The presence of anarchist organizers at the rally aimed to expose police brutality and advocate for workers' rights.

4. Inflammatory Rhetoric: During the rally, speakers expressed anger and frustration at the state of labor rights and police brutality, which escalated tensions among the crowd leading to the chaos that followed.

Effects:

1. Public Perception of Labor Movements: The violence of the Haymarket Affair significantly tarnished the reputation of labor movements and those associated with radical ideas, particularly anarchism. The public associated the labor movement with violence and disorder.

2. Legal Consequences for Activists: Eight anarchist leaders were arrested and convicted as accessories to murder, despite the bomber never being identified. This led to widespread critiques of the legal system and its handling of labor-related cases.

3. Execution and Pardon: Four of the convicted anarchists were hanged, while others faced long sentences. However, in 1893, Illinois Governor John Peter Altgeld pardoned the three surviving activists, citing the unfairness of their trials, which sparked conversations about justice and legal reform.

4. Spark for Future Labor Movements: The Haymarket Affair became a rallying point for labor movements across the United States and symbolized the struggle for workers' rights. It influenced future labor actions and is memorialized annually on May Day, which remains a day for celebrating workers' rights globally.

5. Legislative Change: The public backlash and legal battles that ensued prompted discussions about labor laws and the need for reforms, ultimately influencing labor legislation in the decades to come.

In summary, the Haymarket Affair was a complex event influenced by labor disputes, social unrest, and radical politics, leading to profound changes in labor rights, public perception, legal ramifications for activists, and inspiring future generations of workers' movements.