What was the primary goal of the protest meeting in Haymarket Square?

The primary goal of the protest meeting in Haymarket Square was to advocate for better working conditions. This rally, which took place on May 4, 1886, was organized to promote the demands for an eight-hour workday, which was a key issue for labor activists at the time. Workers were pushing for reforms that would ensure they were not subjected to excessively long hours in often unsafe working environments. The meeting represented a larger movement within the labor force advocating for fundamental rights and improvements in their working conditions as part of the broader struggle for labor rights during this period.

This focus on advocating for better working conditions is significant, as it aligned with the growing labor movement that sought to address the challenges faced by industrial workers. While celebrating achievements, negotiating with employers, and recruiting new members were important aspects of union activity, the immediate purpose of the Haymarket protest was to raise awareness and push for systemic change regarding work hours and safety.