I have to do a paper on the railroad strike of 1877, but I find that there is too many websites. My teacher does not want us to use Wikipedia since the information changes too much. I have looked at all of them, but cannot find a good one. We have to include the struggles it caused with an industrial worker at that time. Also, can you give me a breif summary of the strike so that I would better understand it? Thank you!!
You can use Wikipedia for a brief summary of the strike -- but you don't need to include it in your reported references.
These sites have additional information.
http://www.u-s-history.com/pages/h717.html
http://www.ohiohistorycentral.org/entry.php?rec=503
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When researching a specific topic like the railroad strike of 1877, it can be overwhelming to navigate through numerous websites. However, there are a few strategies you can employ to find reliable sources and relevant information.
1. Utilize academic databases: Access online academic databases available through your school or local library. These platforms provide access to scholarly articles, historical journals, and primary sources that can offer in-depth analysis of the strike and its impact on industrial workers.
2. Check digital libraries and archives: Many institutions maintain digital collections of historical documents and records. These resources can give you firsthand accounts, newspapers, photographs, and other primary sources related to the strike. Websites like the Library of Congress or HathiTrust Digital Library are great places to start.
3. Use reputable history websites: While avoiding Wikipedia, you can explore reputable history websites for information on the railroad strike of 1877. Websites like History.com, American History USA, or Digital History often provide well-researched articles by reliable historians.
Now, as for a brief summary of the railroad strike of 1877:
The railroad strike of 1877, also known as the Great Railroad Strike or the Great Uprising, was a widespread labor protest that began in West Virginia and quickly spread across the United States. It was one of the largest strikes in American history up to that point.
The strike was triggered by wage cuts imposed by the major railroad companies in response to an economic depression known as the Panic of 1873. As railroad workers faced worsening working conditions and diminishing pay, their frustration culminated in a spontaneous walkout.
The strike rapidly gained support from other industrial workers, creating a wave of solidarity across different professions. The protesting workers disrupted rail traffic, leading to significant economic repercussions and social unrest. In many cities, the strike escalated into riots and violent clashes between protesters, law enforcement, and even the military.
The government, primarily at the state and local level, responded with force to suppress the strike. The involvement of state militias and federal troops resulted in confrontations and casualties. Ultimately, the strike was suppressed, but it marked a turning point in the relationship between labor and management, and it paved the way for the growth of organized labor movements in the decades that followed.
Remember, when writing your paper, be sure to focus on the struggles faced by industrial workers during this strike and how it impacted their lives. Incorporating primary sources and perspectives from various stakeholders will help provide a comprehensive understanding of the event.