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The Bay View Labor Tragedy:
Taking a Stand for the Eight Hour Day and How it Shaped the Labor Movement in
America
Kent P. Manion
2493 words
Junior Division
Research Paper
2
There is a monument at the corner of South Superior Street and East Russell Avenue. It
stands in a peaceful park in Bay View, Wisconsin and calls us to remember the turmoil,
suppression, bloodshed, pain and perseverance of laborers in America. It memorializes the
workers who took a stand on May 5, 1886 in Bay View to fight for the eight hour work day.
Their vision, valor and sacrifice were instrumental in inspiring laborers to organize themselves
into a larger, more united group so that they could empower themselves to improve the lives of
American laborers.
The late nineteenth century was the era of big business in America. It was a time of rapid
industrial growth and fights for domination by large industrial corporations.1 This resulted in
monopolization, price-fixing and wage-fixing. Industrial companies needed workers in their
factories so they hired Americans and also hired contractors to go to poor areas of other countries
such as Poland, Germany and Italy to import laborers with promises of good wages and a good
life.2 The immigrants had dreams of becoming American citizens and enjoying the “American
Standard of Living”.3 However, these immigrants arrived and found that their contracts, working
conditions and living conditions were oppressive and poor. Contractors were being paid fifty
cents per day per imported immigrant worker4, about twelve dollars per day in modern dollars.
5
This suggested that the immigrant workers were paid even less than that. Many of them were
living in crowded shelters housing eight to twelve people in rooms measuring eight by twelve
1 Pyx, Stephen, Milwaukee’s Fight for the Eight Hour Workday,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QQ5f2ChJ9l 2 Boyer, Richard O. and Morais, Herbert M., Labor’s Untold Story, United Electrical, Radio and Machine
Workers of America, New York, NY, Pages 66-69 3 Professor Emeritus, Gordon, Michael, Professor of History University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, Personal
Interview 4 Boyer, Richard O. and Morais, Herbert M., Labor’s Untold Story, United Electrical, Radio and Machine
Workers of America, New York, NY, Pages 66-69 5 Knights of Labor
3
feet.6 Laborers worked long hours in unsafe conditions and thousands died as a result. This
evolution was unfolding in cities across the country including Milwaukee, Wisconsin.7
Milwaukee’s progress during that time period was reflective of the massive
industrialization and immigration occurring in America. Various industries including meat
packing, tanning, beer brewing, flour milling and many others thrived. The steel industry grew
immensely due to the discovery of iron-ore in Dodge County, Wisconsin. Iron manufacturing
facilities were rapidly emerging.8 The Milwaukee Iron Company, a large steel mill, was
established in 1868 in Bay View. It became the region’s largest employer. By 1885 it employed
more than 1,500 people.9 It produced iron products and rail for the expanding railroads.
10 The
population grew rapidly in large part due to the influx of immigrants11
making Milwaukee the
nineteenth largest city in the country by 1880.12
Laborers working in industry comprised 44.6
percent of the local work force. This was the sixth highest concentration amongst urban areas in
the nation.13
Consistent with other areas of the country, working conditions were oppressive.14
Industrial workers in Milwaukee were making about $2.15 per hour in modern dollars.
Machines had open central drive shafts with open belts posing constant risk of injury. Flour mills
were thick with grain dust. Iron mills reached 160 degree heat. Laborers typically worked in
6 Boyer, Richard O. and Morais, Herbert M., Labor’s Untold Story, United Electrical, Radio and Machine
Workers of America, New York, NY, Pages 66-69 7 Professor Emeritus, Gordon, Michael, Professor of History University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, Personal
Interview 8 Milwaukee County Historical Society, Milwaukee History, History Comes to Life
9 Gurda, John, The Making of Milwaukee, Milwaukee County Historical Society, Milwaukee, WI, Pages
114-115 10
Milwaukee County Historical Society, Milwaukee History, History Comes to Life 11
Gurda, John, The Making of Milwaukee, Milwaukee County Historical Society, Milwaukee, WI, Pages
130-131 12
U.S. Bureau of the Census, Population of the 100 Largest Urban Places: 1880 13
Gurda, John, The Making of Milwaukee, Milwaukee County Historical Society, Milwaukee, WI, Page
128 14
Professor Emeritus, Gordon, Michael, Professor of History University of Wisconsin Milwaukee,
Personal Interview
4
these brutal conditions at least ten hours per day six days per week.15
As time went on they were
desperate for change.16
The eight hour work day became a common goal for the working class.17
Efforts had
been made in Wisconsin to limit the work day to eight hours by passing legislation to
accommodate this but it was not being enforced. Laborers learned that they must come together
and take a stand to try to help themselves because the law did not.18
Growth of individual trade unions was extensive during this time period because with
industrial progress came the increased need for skilled labor. Skilled labor was at a shortage so
trade unions such as the Coal Heavers, Shoemakers, Butchers and others grew stronger.19
It was
also a time of laborers grouping together throughout the country, some through a national labor
organization called the Knights of Labor.20
Involvement in unions was often risky. Union-
busters with spies and strike breakers such as the Pinkerton Agency were hired by corporations
to break up unions, condemn labor leaders and deliberately create violence to undermine the
labor movement. This was not their only challenge because community leaders were in collusion
against unions.21
Wealthy bankers and industrialists donated large amounts of money to political parties,
churches and colleges. Their generous gifts led to collaboration between the corporations and
15 Gurda, John, The Making of Milwaukee, Milwaukee County Historical Society, Milwaukee, WI, Pages
147-148 16
Ozanne, Robert W., The Labor Movement In Wisconsin, The State Historical Society of Wisconsin,
Madison, WI, Page 6 17
Ozanne, Robert W., The Labor Movement In Wisconsin, The State Historical Society of Wisconsin,
Madison, WI, Page 6 18
Ozanne, Robert W., The Labor Movement In Wisconsin, The State Historical Society of Wisconsin,
Madison, WI, Page 7 19
Ozanne, Robert W., The Labor Movement In Wisconsin, The State Historical Society of Wisconsin,
Madison, WI, Page 7 20
Ozanne, Robert W., The Labor Movement In Wisconsin, The State Historical Society of Wisconsin,
Madison, WI, Page 7 21
Boyer, Richard O. and Morais, Herbert M., Labor’s Untold Story, United Electrical, Radio and Machine
Workers of America, New York, NY, Page 68
5
these organizations. These groups supported the trusts the big businesses formed. Pastors
preached that trusts were favorable and in line with God’s laws. Professors suggested that
violence against organized laborers was unavoidable. These views were widely published by the
press.22
The working class and immigrants were frequently condemned by the media, especially
when they were striking or speaking out for better conditions such as the eight hour work day.
They were described by journalists as “brutal creatures” and “European scum” with rabid ideas.
Violent threats against the working class were frequently published in newspapers. Union
members were ridiculed, persecuted and blacklisted. Involvement in organized labor was
accompanied by great risk to the workers’ safety, reputation and employment. The unrest
amongst laborers continued to escalate.23
This turmoil and poor treatment created energy among the laborers. These feelings
sparked a growing movement within the country to stand up together against these injustices.24
The Knights of Labor established local assemblies of workers across the country and promoted
platforms for change. They helped increase the momentum of the labor movement by including
workers of all levels and setting a common goal in 1884 of procurement of the eight hour work
day.25
The New York Times declared the movement “un-American” and stated that “labor
disturbances are brought about by foreigners”.26
Wisconsin was a mainstay of the Knights of
22 Boyer, Richard O. and Morais, Herbert M., Labor’s Untold Story, United Electrical, Radio and Machine
Workers of America, New York, NY, Page 69 23
Boyer, Richard O. and Morais, Herbert M., Labor’s Untold Story, United Electrical, Radio and Machine
Workers of America, New York, NY, Pages 69-72 24
Ozanne , Robert W., The Labor Movement In Wisconsin, Page 8 25
Gurda, John, The Making of Milwaukee, Milwaukee County Historical Society, Milwaukee, WI, Pages
149-150 26
Boyer, Richard O. and Morais, Herbert M., Labor’s Untold Story, United Electrical, Radio and Machine
Workers of America, New York, NY, Page 88
6
Labor27
and this eight hour day movement prompted the first general strike in the history of the
the city of Milwaukee.28
The massacre that followed is often referred to as the Bay View Labor
Tragedy.
By May 1, 1886 7,000-15,000 Milwaukee area laborers including carpenters, railroad
workers, broommakers, and others were on strike. The main goal was the establishment of the
eight hour work day.29
We mean to make things over; We’re tired of toil for nought; But bare enough to live on;
Never an hour for thought; We want to feel the sunshine; We want to smell the flowers;
We’re sure that God has willed it; And we mean to have eight hours; We’re summoning
our forces from shipyard, shop and mill; Eight hours for work, eight hours for rest; Eight
hours for what we will!30
On May 2 a big labor parade and picnic occurred without incident and ended in the
Milwaukee Garden. Marchers enjoyed bratwursts and beer along with multiple impassioned
speeches.31
Why should labor fill the world with wealth and live in want? Every labor saving
machine should help the whole world. Everyone should shorten the hours of labor.
Reasonable labor is a source of joy. To work for wife and child, to toil for those you love
is happiness, provided you can make them happy. But to work like a slave, to see your
wife and children in rags, to sit at a table where food is coarse and scarce, to rise at four
in the morning to work all day and throw your tired bones on your miserable bed at night,
to live without leisure, without rest, without making those you love comfortable and
happy, this is not living, it is dying, a slow, lingering crucifixion.32
27 Gurda, John, The Making of Milwaukee, Milwaukee County Historical Society, Milwaukee, WI, Page
150 28
Paul, Barbara & Justus, The Badger State, William B. Erdmans Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, MI,
Pages 345-346 29
Paul, Barbara & Justus, The Badger State, William B. Erdmans Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, MI,
Pages 345-346 30
Boyer, Richard O. and Morais, Herbert M., Labor’s Untold Story, United Electrical, Radio and Machine
Workers of America, New York, NY, Page 88 31
Pyx, Stephen, Milwaukee’s Fight for the Eight Hour Workday,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QQ5f2ChJ9l 32
Union Pacific Employees’ Magazine, Volume 1
7
On May 3 some strikers marched to the Reliance Iron Works factory in Milwaukee
expecting laborers there to join them. However they instead pushed the marchers back by
spraying them with water. The police came and started hitting the strikers with clubs and they
dispersed.33
The city was frightened. Governor Jeremiah Rusk was called in and troops of militia
were on alert. The next day the Haymarket Riot occurred in Chicago and in Milwaukee about
1,000 strikers marched to the Bay View rolling mill. As tension escalated, a train of militia
arrived and fired shots into the air and the crowd disbanded. However, the militia camped at Bay
View that night and were given orders to “shoot to kill” if the strikers returned.34
On May 5 about 1,500 laborers and onlookers went back to the rolling mill in Bay
View.35
Observers reported that they appeared to be unarmed with the exception of a few
marchers who were holding sticks and stones. As they approached within about a quarter of a
mile of the mill, Major Traeumer, the leader of the militia stationed on a hill in front of the mill
ordered and signaled them to halt. The striking workers kept pushing forward and when within
about 200 yards, possibly more, they were again ordered and signaled to stop. From that distance
they did not appear to hear the commands or see the hand signals and when they didn’t stop the
militia fired into the crowd of protestors. The crowd fell to the ground and retreated.36
Seven
people were killed and the momentum of the eight hour work day movement was gone.37
Peace has arrived in Bay View. One person said ‘the backbone is broke.’ The troops had
been unmolested. The Governor came along with the Light Horse Brigade. The troops,
33 Paul, Barbara & Justus, The Badger State, William B. Erdmans Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, MI,
Pages 345-346 34
Paul, Barbara & Justus, The Badger State, William B. Erdmans Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, MI,
Pages 345-346 35
Wisconsin Historical Society Website; 36
Nesbit, Robert C., The History of Wisconsin, The State Historical Society of Wisconsin, Madison, WI,
Pages 402-404 37
Wisconsin Historical Society Website;
8
along with Major Traeumer, presented arms. The Governor praised them for their
conduct.38
At the time of this event in history, the abandonment of the eight hour work day quest
was an immediate effect of the tragedy that had occurred.39
The workers went back to work
without achieving their goal.40
The militia troops were found to be blameless by the coroner’s
jury.41
Almost 50 demonstrators were charged and arrested and many of the leaders were
imprisoned.42
The unions had trouble staying active because of the bad publicity associated with
the tragedy in Milwaukee. This was further exacerbated by demonstrations in other cities such as
the Haymarket Riot in Chicago. This sentiment prevailed through the 1890s. However laborers
learned, strategized and persevered.43
As a result of the Bay View Labor Tragedy the workers realized that they should try to
gain power in the political arena to try to get better laws passed which would make their work
life better.44
They continued to share goals of shorter hours, higher wages and safer working
conditions for not just union workers but for all workers and their families. Subsequently the
People’s Party was formed that year. In the fall elections of 1886 in Wisconsin, the People’s
Party won the congressional seat for Milwaukee. They also won most of the Milwaukee County
offices, a state assembly seat and six out of twelve assembly seats for Milwaukee County.
38 Kreilein, Sylvester L., Der Herold, (A German Newspaper),May 7, 1886, Wauwatosa, WI
39 Germanson, Kenneth, President Emeritus, Wisconsin Labor History Society, Personal Interview
40 Gurda, John, The Making of Milwaukee, Milwaukee County Historical Society, Milwaukee, WI, Page
155 41
Coroners Jury Report 42
Gurda, John, The Making of Milwaukee, Milwaukee County Historical Society, Milwaukee, WI, Page
156 43
Professor Emeritus, Gordon, Michael, Professor of History University of Wisconsin Milwaukee,
Personal Interview 44
Professor Emeritus, Gordon, Michael, Professor of History University of Wisconsin Milwaukee,
Personal Interview
9
Finally, they won the county sheriff seat. These were encouraging victories amidst the setbacks
of the tragedy that year.45
In the long term, the legacy of the laborers who took a stand in Bay View is much
broader. Their experience influenced workers to realize that they had to organize more
strategically and become stronger by creating a larger more united group. Through such
endeavors they could exhibit solidarity and generate the power to execute change.46
In 1886 the
American Federation of Labor (AFL) was formed.47
This was a national federation composed of
skilled laborers such as the masons, cigar makers and hat makers and it grew in the years that
followed.48
Because the members were skilled laborers, they had some bargaining power when
negotiating with employers because the employers needed their skills in order to run their
businesses. In 1936 the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) was established and
represented industrial workers such as steel and auto workers.49
The two organizations merged
in 1955 to create the American Federation of Labor-Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-
CIO). The coming together of laborers in this manner first in separate groups and then as one
unified force potentiated change.50
As laborers excelled in their ability to unite, they gained the strength and leverage needed
to improve the lives of workers.51
In 1890 the eight hour work day was passed for the carpenters
and this was eventually followed by the Fair Labor Standards Act in 1938, which established the
45 Nesbit, Robert C., The History of Wisconsin, The State Historical Society of Wisconsin, Madison, WI,
Page 410 46
Germanson, Kenneth, President Emeritus, Wisconsin Labor History Society, Personal Interview 47
Encyclopedia Britannica, online 48
USHistory.org, 37d. American Federation of Labor 49
Professor Emeritus, Gordon, Michael, Professor of History University of Wisconsin Milwaukee,
Personal Interview 50
Encyclopedia Britannica, online 51
Germanson, Kenneth, President Emeritus, Wisconsin Labor History Society, Personal Interview
10
first minimum wage and the forty hour work week.52
The eight hour work day was finally a
reality for American laborers. This was one of many successful initiatives made real through
their efforts.
The organized labor federations which evolved after the Bay View Labor Tragedy
secured many other rights and needs for American workers as well. In 1898 the Erdmen Act
prohibited discrimination against union members. In 1900 the United States Industrial Union
declared trade unions to be good for democracy. In 1912 the Department of Labor was formed to
promote the welfare, benefits and rights of workers in the United States.53
In 1911 Wisconsin
secured the first constitutional statute for Workers’ Compensation.54
This was followed in 1916
with the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act which provided wage replacement and medical
benefits to employees injured while working.55
In 1935 the Social Security Act was passed to
help ensure workers would have a continuing income to sustain themselves after retirement. In
1970 the Occupational Safety and Health Act was passed to help keep work environments safe
and protect workers from injury in the work place. It also focused on keeping workers healthy.56
These are only a few of the many groundbreaking accomplishments that were steeped in the
courage, bloodshed and pain of the laborers in the Bay View Labor Tragedy.
The legacy of the workers who took a stand in the Bay View Labor Tragedy is intimately
intertwined in the daily existence of working men and women of today and in the lives of their
families. Their unwavering determination to march into the face of danger to help themselves,
their families and their fellow laborers influenced and inspired laborers to evolve in their ability
52 AFL-CIO, Labor History Timeline
53 UNITED STATRES DEPT OF LABOR, Frequently Asked Questions, http://webapps.dot.gov/dolfaq/go-
dol-faq-asp?faqid=478 54
LEXIS NEXIS, Alan Pierce, Workers’ Compensation in the United States: The First 100 Years 55
Nordlund, Willis J, The Federal Employees’ Compensation Act; Monthly Labor Review September
1991, Bureau of Labor Statistics 56
AFL-CIO, Labor History Timeline
11
to unite, organize and advocate. This innovation ultimately led to the formation of the American
Federation of Laborers-Congress of Industrial Organizations, whose mission is to bring fairness
and dignity to the workplace.57
This is the longest standing and most influential labor
organization in the history of the United States. It is still in existence today.
This evolution of the organization of labor has empowered laborers to work together to
secure legislation to promote fair wages, more humane working hours, insurance for job related
injuries, retirement income, safer and healthier work environments and many other benefits. It
continues to be the driving force in guiding laborers to fight for and establish laws to protect
workers in America. 58
The vision, courage and sacrifice of the workers who took a stand at the
Bay View Labor Tragedy in 1886 inspired laborers to persevere, unite, organize and succeed.
This legacy of organized labor is fundamental and essential to the many policies now established
and being established which protect the American laborers of today.59
“The labor movement was the principal force that transformed misery and despair into hope and
progress.”-Dr. Martin Luther King
57 AFL-CIO, Our Mission and Vision
58 Professor Emeritus, Gordon, Michael, Professor of History University of Wisconsin Milwaukee,
Personal Interview 59
Professor Emeritus, Gordon, Michael, Professor of History University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, Personal
Interview
12
Appendix 1
Map of the Bay View rolling mill location in Bay View, Wisconsin. From Bay View
Compass.com
15
Appendix 4
Bay View Tragedy Monument on South Superior Street and East Russell Avenue in Bay
View, Wisconsin. From Wisconsin Historical Markers.com
16
Annotated Bibliography
Primary Sources
"Bay View Rolling Mills." Wisconsin Historical Society. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Apr. 2017.
This is a picture of the Bay View rolling mill. It gave me a greater understanding
of the setting in which the tragedy occurred.
Chapter 103 Employment Regulations, 1-38 (2017) (enacted). Print.
This document demonstrated the many different labor laws in effect today to help
and protect laborers. Its length and detail helped me appreciate the vast and
complex accomplishments of the labor movement.
Der Herold 1 May 1886
This is a German newspaper that gave an account of what was happening at that
time Milwaukee as workers were striking and preparing to strike. It helped put in
perspective the broadness of the quest for the eight hour day which did not
include just the rolling mill workers but many other trades and workers in
Milwaukee.
Der Herold 3 May 1886
This edition of the German newspaper provided detailed accounts of what was
happening with the different strikes in Milwaukee. It demonstrated that many of
the strikers were in pursuit of not just the eight hour work day but higher wages as
well.
Der Herold 4 May 1886
This edition of the German newspaper included detailed accounts of what was
happening in Milwaukee with the strikes. It conveyed the feelings of tension and
concern that were escalating in the community as the strike proceedings
continued.
Der Herold 5 May 1886
This edition of the German newspaper had more entries about what was
happening in Milwaukee with the laborers. It helped give even more depth to the
feelings of tension including the disagreement between the laborers themselves on
how to proceed.
Der Herold 6 May 1886
17
This edition of the German newspaper was about twice as long as the previous
editions. It provided coverage about the Haymarket Riot in Chicago as well as
detailed accounts of events in Milwaukee regarding the Bay View Labor Tragedy.
It gave me an understanding of the chaos that was occurring in the city in the
aftermath.
Der Herold 7 May 1886
This edition of the German newspaper continued on with an account of the unrest
in Milwaukee in the days after the massacre. It was interesting that the Herold
itself posted an article sharing its position in support for what the militia did and
theorized that they prevented greater bloodshed.
Der Herold 8 May 1886
This edition of the newspaper gave more accounts of all that was happening in the
aftermath of the tragedy. It was insightful but not surprising based on my research
that it had an entry about the militia were honored for their actions against the
strikers.
"The Federal Employees" Compensation Act." Rev. of Monthly Labor Review. (n.d.): n. pag.
Print.
This was an article in a monthly labor review. It helped me understand a lot about
Workers’ Compensation and how it came to be.
Fricke, Charles. Inquisition. 8 May 1886. Corners jury report. Wisconsin, Milwaukee.
This was the actual coroner’s document. It was handwritten and was insightful
because it showed that within 3 days of the shooting the militia and their leader
were already held blameless in the deaths.
Fricke, Charles. Subpoena. 7 May 1886. Subpoena from the Milwaukee County Coroner.
Wisconsin, Milwaukee.
This was the actual order for some of the involved men to appear in court to
testify on May 8. It was partly hand written and was interesting to see the actual
document.
Hinton, John W. Workingmen and the Tariff. Wisconsin, Milwaukee. 31 Jan. 1880. Address.
This is an address that was given to the laborers on tariffs in Puddler’s Hall, a
union hall where the Puddlers and Boilers met. I was able to visit Puddler’s Hall
and bring the history to life a little more by being right there where the
Milwaukee Iron Company Puddlers and Boilers met.
18
"Milwaukee Iron Company." Milwaukee Iron Company : The Bay View Compass. N.p., n.d. Web.
10 Feb. 2017.
This was a picture that gave me an idea of how the now torn down mill looked in
the 1880’s and its location within Bay View. It helped me understand that the mill
was huge and I could appreciate its placement on the hill.
""Our Mission and Vision"." AFL-CIO. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Apr. 2017.
This was a webpage that shared part of the AFL-CIO’s constitution reflecting its
mission. It was interesting that it echoed some of the basic ideas the workers
shared in their speeches during the movement for the eight hour day.
United States. Bureau of the Census. Population of the 100 Largest Urban Places: 1880. N.p.:
n.p., n.d. Web.
This gave population numbers for different cities in the United States in 1880. It
helped me understand how Milwaukee compared in terms of size and how the
events in Milwaukee could impact the rest of the country.
"United States Department of Labor: Frequently Asked Questions." United States Department of
Labor: Frequently Asked Questions. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Mar. 2017.
This site provided some basic framework about the Department of Labor. It
helped me understand its role in supporting the workers of America.
STAT 275.01, 35 (1957 and 1967) (enacted). Print.
This showed the law that granted one day of rest in every 7. It seemed very short
and simple considering how much effort was invested in making it a law.
http://wisconsinhistoricalmarkers.blogspot.com/2012/10/marker-275-bay-views-rolling-mill.html
This was a picture of the monument. I was able to go see it and the park is so
calm. After all the time I spent researching the event it was nice to be able to go to
the area where it was occurring and reflect about it all.
Secondary Sources
"American History." Ushistory.org. Independence Hall Association, n.d. Web. 05 Apr. 2017.
This was a website. It helped explain the American Federation of Labor’s
structure and philosophy.
19
"1886: The Bay View Massacre." Libcom.org. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Feb. 2017.
This was a website and had a good overview. It told the basic story about how the
massacre happened and also broke it down into sections of what happened on
each of the different days.
"Bay View Tragedy." Wisconsin Labor History Society. Web. 15 Dec. 2016.
This site had a really good overview about the Bay View Massacre. It also listed
many primary sources. I used it a lot as resource for finding resources.
Boyer, Richard Owen, and Herbert M. Morais. Labor's Untold Story. New York: United
Electrical, Radio & Machine Workers of America, 1972.
This book had a lot of good information. It described the details of the eight hour
day goal, the risks that the strikers took by being involved and the terrible
conditions for the workers.
Germanson, Kenneth. Telephone Interview. 6 February 2017 and 1 March 2017
Mr. Germanson is Professor Emeritus for the Wisconsin Labor History Society
and has been a labor leader and longtime advocate for workers’ rights. I
interviewed him by phone when generating my paper for school. When I made it
to the regional level I kept researching and then I had more questions and I
interviewed him again. It really helped to have the opportunity to ask questions
and gain a deeper understanding through this personal interaction.
Gordon, Michael. Telephone Interview. 6 February 2017 and 1 March 2017
Dr. Gordon is a Professor Emeritus of History at University of Wisconsin
Milwaukee with research interests in the history of American labor. I interviewed
him twice as well, once for my school project and then again for the regional
competition. It was interesting how the more answers I got with my research, the
more questions I had and so it was really helpful to have the opportunity to
interview him twice.
Gurda, John. The Making of Milwaukee. Milwaukee, WI: Milwaukee County Historical Society,
2008. Print.
This was the last book I used and it was a great way to gain a deeper
understanding of details and the times. I mainly focused on chapters four and five.
It was really helpful and there were so many pictures to support all that I was
learning. I hope to go see some of the buildings in the pictures to add to my
perspective because I will see them in a whole different way now.
20
The "Labor History Timeline." AFL-CIO. N.p., n.d. Web. 5 Mar. 2017.
This was an online timeline. It gave a great overview of the historical events of
the labor movement starting in the1600s and progressing through time to the
present.
"Milwaukee History." Milwaukee Timeline. N.p., n.d. Web
This was a resource on the Milwaukee County Historical Society website. It had a
great overview of the history of Milwaukee in the 1800’s and some good pictures.
Milwaukee Notebook. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Feb. 2017.
This website told about the story of the massacre gave some helpful facts. It also
helped with primary sources.
Ozanne, Robert W. The Labor Movement in Wisconsin: A History. Madison, WI: State
Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1984.
This described the history of unions in Wisconsin as well as many facts about the
Bay View Tragedy events and the 8 hour day movement. It was a very important
resource for me when trying to understand more about the unions.
Paul, Justus F., and Barbara Dotts. Paul. The Badger State: A Documentary History of
Wisconsin. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1979.
This book described the first 5 days of May 1886 in great detail. It helped me
understand the massacre better by understanding the details of the preceeding
days as well.
Thompson, William Fletcher. The History of Wisconsin. Madison: State Historical Society of
Wisconsin, 1985. Print.
This book gave a good overview of unions in Wisconsin, the events of the Bay
View Tragedy and the immediate effects. It also had some great pictures of
Milwaukee during the 1880s.
"American History." Ushistory.org. Independence Hall Association, n.d. Web. 05 Apr. 2017.
This helped explained the American Federation of Labor’s structure and
philosophy.
Wealth, The Conference on Research in Income and. "Trends in the American Economy in the
Nineteenth Century." NBER. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Apr. 2017.
21
This was an assessment of the economy in the 1880’s and helped me put the wage
numbers in perspective.
"Wisconsin Historical Society." Wisconsin Historical Society. Web. 20 Dec. 2016.
This site was a really good source for learning about at the event almost 1 years
after it happened.
Wisconsin - Links To The Past Genealogy. Web. 19 Dec. 2016.
This website was a helpful reference for gaining a good overview of the event as
well as providing a day by day account of what happened. It also referenced some
good primary sources.
"Workers' Compensation in the United States: The First 100 Years." N.p., n.d. Web.
This was an online article. It helped me learn about Workers’ Compensation and
how it evolved.