NewsELA: The History of Labor Day Written Response
Cause & Effect: What was the main event described in the article? What were the causes of this event? Describe each cause by citing specific details from the article and explaining how it contributed to the main event.
The main event described in the article is the establishment of Labor Day as a national holiday in the United States.
There were several causes that led to this event. Firstly, the article mentions the rise of the labor movement in the late 19th century, particularly the growth of labor unions. The article states, "Workers began organizing labor unions to fight for safer working conditions, better pay, and shorter working hours." This growing movement of workers advocating for their rights and better working conditions laid the foundation for the establishment of a holiday dedicated to labor.
A second cause mentioned in the article is the efforts of labor activists like Peter J. McGuire and Matthew Maguire. The article explains that McGuire, who was a labor leader, proposed the idea of a national labor holiday while Maguire, a machinist, was also instrumental in advocating for this idea. These individuals and their activism played a significant role in bringing attention to the need for a holiday to recognize and honor the contributions of laborers.
Additionally, the article highlights the aftermath of the Pullman Strike of 1894 as another cause. The strike, led by the American Railway Union, resulted in violent clashes and disrupted transportation across the country. In order to pacify the labor movement and prevent future uprisings, President Grover Cleveland declared Labor Day a national holiday just a few days after the strike ended. The article states, "Cleveland made it a national holiday in an attempt to ease tensions between workers and the government."
In summary, the main event described in the article is the establishment of Labor Day as a national holiday. The causes that contributed to this event include the rise of the labor movement, the efforts of labor activists, and the response to the Pullman Strike. These factors collectively pushed for the recognition of the labor force and the importance of honoring their contributions, leading to the establishment of Labor Day.
The main event described in the article "The History of Labor Day" on NewsELA is the establishment of Labor Day as a federal holiday in the United States. The causes that led to this event are as follows:
1. Labor Movements: One of the causes for the establishment of Labor Day was the rise of labor movements in the late 19th century. The article states that "labor unions made efforts to bring attention to the unfair treatment and poor working conditions of laborers" during this time. These labor movements fought for workers' rights, better wages, and safer working conditions.
2. The Pullman Strike: The Pullman Strike of 1894 was another significant cause that led to the establishment of Labor Day. The article mentions that the Pullman Strike "brought rail travel across the United States to a grinding halt." It was a nationwide strike by workers of the Pullman Company, a major manufacturer of railroad cars. The strike garnered national attention and highlighted the grievances of workers, leading to increased public support for workers' rights.
3. Government Response: The response of the government to the labor movements and the Pullman Strike was another cause that contributed to the establishment of Labor Day. The article explains how President Grover Cleveland, in an effort to reduce tensions and appease the labor movement, signed a bill declaring Labor Day a federal holiday in 1894. The government's recognition of the need to address workers' concerns and provide them with a day to celebrate their contributions played a crucial role in the establishment of Labor Day.
Overall, the main event of establishing Labor Day as a federal holiday in the United States was caused by the rise of labor movements advocating for workers' rights, the impact of the Pullman Strike, and the government's response to address labor issues.