The Great Railroad Strike of 1922 commenced as a response to wage reductions and deteriorating labor conditions faced by railroad workers. In the wake of World War I, railroad companies had initiated cuts to workers' pay, which exacerbated the already challenging economic landscape. The strike began with the Action of the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen and the Switchmen's Union of North America, quickly gathering momentum as various affiliated unions mobilized their members across the nation. By early July, thousands of workers were engaged in the strike, significantly disrupting both freight and passenger services.

Striking workers demonstrated in cities across the United States, leading to a wave of sympathy strikes and solidarity actions among various labor groups. The federal government, under the direction of the Transportation Act passed earlier in 1920, took a stance against the strikes, fearing that the nationwide disruption could further impact the economy and national security. With President Warren G. Harding advocating for a swift resolution, the U.S. Army was called in to help restore order in affected regions, leading to confrontations between troops and strikers.

Ultimately, the Great Railroad Strike highlighted the growing rift between labor unions and management and served as a prelude to an era of increased labor activism in the United States. As the strike unraveled, it became evident that the nation was grappling with deep-rooted issues concerning workers' rights, fair wages, and the power dynamics between labor and capital.