What issue led to the Pullman Strike of 1894?

The Pullman Strike of 1894 was primarily driven by the disparity between low wages and high rents that the workers were facing. The Pullman Company, which manufactured railroad cars, had reduced wages for its employees due to the economic downturn known as the Panic of 1893. Despite these wage cuts, the company did not lower rents for housing in the company-owned town of Pullman, Illinois. As a result, workers found themselves struggling to meet their basic needs, leading to growing discontent and ultimately a strike.

This situation exemplified the broader issues of labor relations during this period in American history, where industrial workers often faced exploitation and inadequate compensation, contributing to a rise in organized labor movements and strikes as employees sought to improve their living and working conditions. The Pullman Strike marked a significant event in U.S. labor history and highlighted the conflicts between labor and capital during the late 19th century.