Why did tens of thousands of Seattle workers walk off the job in 1919, and what did their strike mean for Washington and the nation?
- Regions: Central Sound, North Sound, South Sound
- Theme: The Progressive Era and the Twenties
- Topics: Social and Cultural History, Economic & Labor History
Introduction
In 1919, more than 65,000 Seattle workers from across industries joined together in the first general strike in U.S. history. Inspired by rising labor activism after World War I, they shut down the city for five days to demand fair wages, better working conditions, and worker control. Astonishingly, they did this without violence. In this inquiry, students investigate what caused the Seattle General Strike, who participated, and how the city and nation responded. They’ll explore fears of socialism and revolution, the role of organized labor, and how ordinary workers used collective action to advocate for change. Students will also analyze how this event influenced labor rights and political discourse in Washington and beyond.
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