Which famous strike occurred in 1877, highlighting tensions between workers and railroad companies?

The Great Railroad Strike of 1877 is significant because it marked one of the first large-scale strikes in the United States that highlighted the rising tensions between workers and railroad companies amid growing industrialization. This strike began when railroad companies raised freight rates and cut wages, prompting widespread unrest among workers.

The strike quickly spread across numerous states and affected multiple railroads, demonstrating the collective power of workers standing against corporate practices perceived as unjust. Additionally, this strike was notable for its violent confrontations and the involvement of state and federal troops to suppress the unrest, drawing national attention to the labor movement and the need for improved labor conditions.

This event set the stage for future labor strikes and increased awareness of workers' rights, making it a pivotal moment in American labor history.