The Great Strike on the "Q"

John A. Hall

• Publisher: Science & Technology Publishing
• Year: 2025
• eBook ISBN: 9782528109090
• Topic: Economics
• Subtopic: Development Economics
• Index: Economics

The Great Strike on the 'Q' is a vivid and dramatic account of one of the most significant labor conflicts in American railroad history, set against the backdrop of the late nineteenth century. Authored by John A. Hall, the book delves into the events surrounding the 1888 strike on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad—commonly known as the Q. Through a blend of narrative storytelling and journalistic detail, Hall brings to life the struggles, hopes, and hardships faced by the railroad workers as they confront the powerful railroad management in their fight for fair wages, better working conditions, and union recognition. The book opens with a detailed portrayal of the daily lives of the railroad men, highlighting their camaraderie, dedication, and the mounting frustrations that lead to the decision to strike. Hall meticulously documents the organization of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen, whose members play a central role in the unfolding drama. As the strike begins, the narrative captures the tension and uncertainty that grip both the workers and the company, painting a compelling picture of the high stakes involved for all parties. Hall provides an insider's view of the strategies employed by both the strikers and the railroad executives, including the hiring of strikebreakers, the use of Pinkerton detectives, and the legal and political maneuvers that shape the course of the conflict. The book does not shy away from the violence, sabotage, and personal sacrifices that mark the strike, offering a balanced perspective on the motivations and actions of both sides. Throughout, The Great Strike on the 'Q' is rich with character sketches, from the determined union leaders and rank-and-file workers to the calculating railroad officials and the families caught in the crossfire. Hall's narrative is interspersed with firsthand accounts, newspaper excerpts, and official documents, lending authenticity and immediacy to the story. As the strike reaches its climax, the book explores the broader implications for the American labor movement, the future of railroad unions, and the evolving relationship between capital and labor in the Gilded Age. The Great Strike on the 'Q' stands as both a gripping historical narrative and a thoughtful reflection on the enduring struggle for workers' rights, making it an essential read for anyone interested in labor history, industrial relations, or the social dynamics of the American railroad era.

Table of contents

• THE GREAT STRIKE ON THE "Q" BY John A. Hall