The waterfront strike involving longshoremen was part of a larger wave of labor unrest that swept across the United States during the early 1930s. In Seattle, the longshoremen were advocating for improved wages and better working conditions, as their livelihoods were severely affected by the economic turmoil of the Great Depression. As their strike escalated, roughly 2,000 workers gathered on the docks to express their grievances, leading to increased tensions between laborers and law enforcement. In response to the situation, the Seattle police deployed tear gas against the striking workers, some of whom were violently confronted with clubs, demonstrating the contentious atmosphere surrounding labor rights at that time.In Portland, Oregon, a similar situation unfolded as striking longshoremen also faced law enforcement action. Governor Charles H. Martin called out the National Guard to restore order at the Portland docks, highlighting the state’s willingness to use military force to suppress labor movements. This dramatic crackdown on labor unrest showcased the growing conflict between labor unions and government authorities, as well as the lengths to which local governments would go to protect business interests during economic distress.