What major event happened in Winnipeg in 1919?
The Winnipeg General Strike of 1919 was the largest strike in Canadian history (see Strikes and Lockouts). Between 15 May and 25 June 1919, more than 30,000 workers left their jobs (see Work). Factories, shops, transit and city services shut down.
What was the main event of a Winnipeg General Strike?
On June 21, 1919, the Royal North-West Mounted Police and hired union busters rode on horseback and fired into a crowd of thousands of workers, killing two and injuring countless others. The infamous “Bloody Saturday” marked the end of the strike.
Why were the workers so unhappy in Winnipeg in 1919?
On May 1, 1919, Winnipeg’s building and metal workers went on strike for higher wages. Two weeks later, the Winnipeg Trades and Labour Council appealed for a general strike in support of the metal workers. The response was overwhelming.
What were the causes of the Winnipeg General Strike of 1919?
There were many background causes for the strike, most of them related to the prevailing social inequalities and the impoverished condition of the city’s working class. Wages were low, prices were rising, employment was unstable, immigrants faced discrimination, housing and health conditions were poor.
How did the 40 day long Winnipeg general strike end on 21 June 1919?
The strike officially ended four days later and several strike leaders were found guilty of seditious conspiracy and received jail sentences of anywhere from six months to two years. As devious as the victory may have been, Andrews and the Citizens’ Committee had won the fight for the city’s soul.
What does Bloody Saturday mean?
Bloody Saturday was the climax of Winnipeg’s General Strike which lasted over a month and involved tens of thousands of workers and supporters demanding better working and living conditions. The state violence and subsequent arrests effectively crushed the strike.
Who went on strike in 1919?
In 1919, workers represented by the American Federation of Labor went on strike against the United States Steel Corporation. Eventually workers at other companies joined the strike. Because this labor unrest eventually involved more than 350,000 workers, the walkout is known as the Great Steel Strike of 1919.