The Pullman Boycott is a detailed historical account by W. F. Burns that explores the origins, development, and aftermath of the famous Pullman Strike of 1894, one of the most significant labor conflicts in American history. The book delves into the conditions faced by workers in the Pullman Company's company town near Chicago, where employees lived under strict corporate control and suffered wage cuts without corresponding reductions in rent or living expenses. As discontent grew, the American Railway Union, led by Eugene V. Debs, organized a massive boycott of Pullman cars, which quickly escalated into a nationwide railroad strike, paralyzing rail traffic and drawing the attention of the federal government. Burns provides a vivid narrative of the events leading up to the strike, the strategies employed by both labor and management, and the involvement of key figures such as Debs and George Pullman. The book examines the role of the press, public opinion, and the intervention of President Grover Cleveland, who sent federal troops to break the strike, resulting in violence and loss of life. Through firsthand accounts, official documents, and contemporary reports, The Pullman Boycott offers insight into the broader social and economic forces at play, including the rise of organized labor, the struggle for workers' rights, and the tensions between capital and labor in the Gilded Age. Rich in detail and analysis, the book not only recounts the dramatic events of the boycott but also reflects on its lasting impact on labor relations, government policy, and the American labor movement. It is an essential resource for understanding the complexities of industrial America and the enduring quest for social justice and fair labor practices.
