1. Why do workers go out on strike?

2. What are the risks involved in joining a strike? What are the benefits?

3. What factors contribute to the success or failure of a strike, from the workers' and the owners' points of view?

• Document HS III-5:
  Children at Work in the Mills: Excerpts from Congressional Hearing, 1912
• Document HS III-3:
  “Shoulder to Shoulder with Our Fathers, Husbands, and Brothers”: Excerpts from New York Times Report on Lynn Strike, 1860
• Document HS III-4:
  Getting Organized: Statement Issued by the American Federation of Labor
• Document HS III-6:
  Boston Policemen Defy Chief to Organize Union: Excerpts from The Boston Globe, 1919
• Document HS III-7:
  “New Bedford Handicapped”: Manufacturers Announce Wage Cut, 1928
• Document HS III-8:
  “Fighting Mad”: Remembering the New Bedford Strike of ‘28

"Lynn Shoeworkers Strike"
It was the largest strike in New England up to that time.

"Chinese Workers Arrive in North Adams"
The factory owner used Chinese immigrants to replace strikers.

"Bread and Roses Strike Begins"
It was a watershed event in American labor history.

"Strike Ends in Hopedale"
The strike shocked the owners of a model factory town.

"Telephone Operators Strike"
Women strikers brought New England business to a standstill.

"Boston Police Vote to Unionize, Precipitating Riots"
Riots broke out when policemen went out on strike.

"New Bedford Strikers Cast Vote"
Economic pressure results in a pay cut.