Event of 1886: A general strike begins in the United States, which escalates on May 4 into the

Background. Following the Civil War and Long Depression, industrial production expanded rapidly. Between 1882 and 1886, socialist and anarchist organizations were active. The Knights of Labor grew significantly, supporting the eight-hour workday. In October 1884, the Federation of Organized Trades and Labor Unions set May 1, 1886, as the date for the eight-hour standard, prompting unions to prepare for a general strike.

Escalation. On May 1, 1886, thousands of workers struck and rallied across the United States. In Chicago, a May 3 rally at the McCormick Harvesting Machine Company plant turned violent when police killed two strikers. The next day, a peaceful rally at Haymarket Square in support of the eight-hour day was disrupted by a bomb thrown at police, causing significant casualties.

Aftermath. The bombing led to trials beginning in June 1886. Defendants were convicted, and four were hanged on November 11, 1887, while others received commuted sentences. The event influenced the establishment of International Workers' Day on May 1, honoring the martyrs. Historians note continued labor growth, including the establishment of the Labor Party of Chicago later in 1886.