What was a major outcome of the Pullman Strike?

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Prepare for UCF's AMH2020 U.S. History exam. Enhance your knowledge with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, complete with explanations. Get exam-ready now!

The Pullman Strike of 1894 was a significant labor dispute that had profound implications for the relationship between labor unions and the federal government. One of the major outcomes of the strike was that it brought to light the ongoing tensions and conflicts between organized labor and federal authority.

During the strike, workers protested against wage cuts and high rents in company-owned housing, leading to national attention when their actions snowballed into a nationwide railroad boycott. The federal government intervened by sending federal troops to break the strike, citing the disruption of mail delivery and interstate commerce. This action highlighted the willingness of the government to side with business interests over labor rights and the use of force to suppress labor movements.

This incident underscored the challenges that labor unions faced in advocating for workers' rights in the face of governmental and corporate opposition, reinforcing a narrative where federal authority was seen as an obstacle to labor organization and strikes. As a result, the Pullman Strike became a pivotal moment in labor history, illustrating the existing struggles between workers fighting for better conditions and a government that prioritized economic stability and the interests of businesses.