In the aftermath of World War II, the Hollywood film industry found itself in a state of flux, as returning soldiers and returning economic stability created both opportunities and challenges. Set decorators, essential in establishing the visual aesthetics of films, began a six-month strike to demand higher wages and improved working conditions. Their grievances were rooted in the disparity between their contributions and the compensations they received during a time when film production was ramping up significantly. On October 5, a scheduled demonstration outside the Warner Brothers studio escalated dramatically. As strikers gathered to voice their demands, tensions flared. Security personnel hired by the studio attempted to disperse the crowd, leading to a violent confrontation. Witnesses reported that shoving turned into a full-blown riot, with both sides clashing fiercely.