Description du livre
Report of the Committee Appointed to Investigate the Railroad Riots in July, 1877 is a comprehensive and detailed governmental document that delves into one of the most turbulent episodes in American labor history—the Great Railroad Strike of 1877. Compiled by a special committee and presented to the Pennsylvania Senate and House of Representatives on May 23, 1878, this report offers an exhaustive account of the causes, events, and aftermath of the widespread labor unrest that swept across the state and much of the nation. The book meticulously documents the origins of the strike, which began as a response to wage cuts and poor working conditions among railroad workers, and quickly escalated into violent confrontations between strikers, local authorities, and state militias. Through a series of testimonies, official statements, and firsthand accounts, the report reconstructs the sequence of events in key cities such as Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Reading, and Harrisburg, where riots, arson, and destruction of property left a lasting impact on communities and the railroad industry. In addition to chronicling the dramatic clashes and the deployment of military forces, the committee’s findings explore the broader social and economic factors that fueled the unrest, including the role of railroad corporations, the grievances of laborers, and the responses of public officials. The report also examines the effectiveness of law enforcement and the legal framework governing labor disputes, offering recommendations for preventing similar outbreaks in the future. Rich in historical detail, the report provides valuable insights into the complexities of industrial relations during the Gilded Age, the challenges of maintaining public order, and the evolving relationship between labor, capital, and government. It stands as an essential primary source for historians, researchers, and anyone interested in the roots of American labor movements, the dynamics of civil unrest, and the development of public policy in response to social crises.