What event involved a labor protest that turned violent due to a bomb being thrown at police in 1886?

• A. Homestead Strike
• B. Pullman Strike
• C. Haymarket Affair
• D. Carnegie Steel Strike

Answer: (C)

The Haymarket Affair is the event that involved a labor protest that turned violent due to a bomb being thrown at police in 1886. This incident took place during a peaceful rally in Haymarket Square, Chicago, where workers were advocating for an eight-hour workday. As police attempted to disperse the crowd, someone threw a bomb, which killed several police officers and civilians. The ensuing chaos led to a violent confrontation and significant casualties.

The Haymarket Affair is significant not only for the immediate violence but also for its lasting impact on labor movements and public perceptions of labor organizations. It catalyzed a wave of anti-labor sentiment and was used to justify further crackdowns on labor protests. Ultimately, it highlighted the struggles workers faced during the Gilded Age, as well as the tensions between labor groups and authorities.