Haymarket Riot

The Haymarket Riot on 4 May 1886 in Chicago, Illinois is the origin of international May Day observances and in popular literature inspired the inaccurate caricature of "the bomb-throwing anarchist". The causes of the incident are still controversial, although deeply polarized attitudes separating the business and working communities in late 19th century Chicago are generally acknowledged as having precipitated the tragedy and its aftermath.

Strike at the McCormick reaper plant

On May 1, 1886 (later known as May Day), labor unions organized a strike for an eight-hour work day in Chicago. By 21st century standards, working conditions in the city were miserable, with most workers working ten to twelve hour days, often six days a week under sometimes dangerous conditions. On May 3 striking workers met near the Cyrus McCormick reaper plant. Chicago police attacked the strikers without warning, killing two, wounding several others and sparking outrage in the city's working community.

Related Topics:
May 1 - 1886 - May Day - Eight-hour work day - Chicago - 21st century - May 3 - Cyrus McCormick - Reaper

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Local anarchists distributed fliers calling for a rally at Haymarket Square, then a bustling commercial center (also called the Haymarket) near the corner of Randolph Street and Des Plaines Avenue in what was later called Chicago's west Loop. These fliers alleged police had murdered the strikers on behalf of business interests and urged workers to seek justice. One flier insisted they fight back with weapons:

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To arms, we call you, to arms!

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However, few copies of this version are known to have been distributed.

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