The Minneapolis Teamsters Strike of 1934 was a significant event in American labor history, where truck drivers organized to demand better wages and working conditions. As protests grew in intensity, a clash between the striking workers and law enforcement erupted. On July 20, police opened fire on a group of striking truck drivers, resulting in the deaths of two strikers and injuries to sixty-seven others. The strike was part of a larger wave of labor unrest that swept across the nation during the Great Depression, as workers sought to assert their rights during economic turmoil. The confrontation underscored the deepening rift between organized labor and local authorities. The police action drew condemnation from worker unions and labor advocates, further igniting support for the strike and labor rights more broadly.

The Minneapolis Teamsters Union was a segment of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and was supported by the broader labor movement, which sought to improve standards for workers. The strike aimed to secure a union shop for local drivers, ensure fair wages, and eliminate oppressive working conditions. In reaction to the police violence, supporters organized rallies and protests, garnering national attention. This clash marked a turning point, as many workers began to recognize the necessity of union organization and collective strength in securing their rights against corporate and governmental powers.

In the aftermath of the violence, the Teamsters strike transitioned into a more organized effort, leading to significant political and social changes in labor laws. The incident galvanized labor unions across the country and highlighted the challenges workers faced, laying the groundwork for future negotiations regarding labor rights and protections. The attention drawn to the incident mobilized public opinion and demonstrated the potential for labor actions to effect change, ultimately contributing to the broader labor movement in the United States.