Coxey's Army Marches on Washington, D.C.
May 1st, 1894
May 1st, 1894

How Long Ago?
130 years, 10 months, 14 days ago
Location
Washington, D.C., United States
Category
Social Movements & Civil Rights
People
- Jacob Coxey
Links & References
Tags
Coxey's Army Marches on Washington, D.C.
Coxey's Army was a significant protest march in which a group of unemployed workers, led by Jacob Coxey, marched from Ohio to Washington, D.C. to demand government action on unemployment. The march, beginning in March, culminated in their arrival at the Capitol on May 1, where they advocated for a federal jobs program funded by public works projects. It highlighted the social struggles of the time during the economic depression.
Led by Jacob Coxey from Ohio to D.C.
Protested against unemployment and poverty.
Demanded federal jobs through public works.
Met with police and faced arrests upon arrival.
What Happened?
Coxey's Army was a landmark protest in American history, organized by Jacob Coxey, a businessman and reformer from Ohio. In the wake of the economic depression that began in the early 1890s, rampant unemployment and poor working conditions galvanized many Americans to take action. Starting in March, Coxey and his supporters embarked on a march from Massillon, Ohio, to the nation's capital, covering hundreds of miles by foot and train. Their objective was to demand that the federal government provide jobs through a public works program funded by issuing paper money. As they traveled, hundreds of supporters joined, and by the time they reached Washington, they represented a cross-section of the discontented working class.Upon their arrival in Washington, D.C., on May 1, Coxey and his followers attempted to present their demands directly to Congress. They marched towards the Capitol and were met with a significant police presence, which had been ordered to prevent their demonstration. The marchers set up a camp at a nearby vacant lot and attempted to lobby lawmakers. However, their efforts were met with resistance, and many participants were arrested for trespassing. Despite the setbacks, the event marked a pivotal moment in the American labor movement and heightened public awareness of the plight of the unemployed, reflecting the growing dissatisfaction with social and economic inequalities.
Why Does it Matter?
Coxey's Army is interesting because it was one of the first large-scale organized protests in American history, laying the groundwork for future social movements and labor rights advocacy. The event emphasized the importance of addressing economic inequality and the role of government in regulating and supporting employment opportunities for the populace, setting precedents for later protests and reforms.
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