A watershed moment in the history of the American labor movement happened in Chicago on May 4, 1886, with the Haymarket Riots. A bomb went off in the middle of a peaceful demonstration for an eight-hour workday, killing police and people alike.

As a result of the incident, public opinion turned against the labor movement, and the government began cracking down on unions and activists. In a very contentious trial, police detained and tried a number of anarchists, some of whom may or may not have been directly involved. The tensions between labor and capital during the Industrial Revolution and the Haymarket Riots became emblematic of the fight for workers’ rights.

In light of the ongoing fight for fair labor conditions and the significance of nonviolent protest, the Haymarket Riots should not be forgotten. The lasting effects of the incident highlight the interconnected nature of social transformation, individual liberty, and the quest for justice in the face of economic inequalities.