What type of event was held in Haymarket Square?

The event held in Haymarket Square was a protest meeting, which is significant because it was part of the broader labor movement advocating for workers' rights, particularly in the context of demanding an eight-hour workday. This gathering on May 4, 1886, began as a peaceful rally in support of striking workers who were fighting for better working conditions and labor rights. The Haymarket affair escalated when a bomb was thrown at police, leading to violence and a highly publicized trial that impacted labor movements across the United States and beyond.

This historical context emphasizes the importance of the Haymarket Square event in the labor rights movement and illustrates how it became a symbol of the struggle for workers' rights. The aftermath of the event led to increased awareness and activism related to labor issues, which remains relevant today.