What primarily caused the Pullman Strike in 1894?

The Pullman Strike of 1894 was primarily triggered by wage cuts and high rents that affected the workers living in the company town of Pullman, Illinois. The Pullman Company, owned by George Pullman, had reduced wages for its employees while simultaneously maintaining high rental costs for the company housing. This created a severe financial strain on the workers, who found it increasingly difficult to afford basic living expenses.

This situation led to widespread discontent among the workers, which was further exacerbated by the fact that the company had not lowered rents even after cutting wages. As the workers sought to address their grievances, they turned to the American Railway Union for support, which ultimately led to a strike. The connection between the wage cuts and the high rents was a fundamental element of the unrest, making it the central cause of the Pullman Strike. Understanding this context helps in recognizing the socioeconomic issues that drove workers to organize and ultimately engage in the strike.