International Workers' Day
Today is International Workers' Day, popularly known as May Day in the U.S. and UK or Labour Day in most of the other countries. It is the commemoration of the Haymarket Riot of 1886 in Chicago, Illinois and a celebration of the social and economic achievements of the international labour movement.
The 1 May date is used because in 1884, the Federation of Organized Trades and Labour Unions demanded an eight-hour workday in the United States to come in effect as of May 1, 1886 through a successful general strike and rioting. Due to these left-wing overtones, May Day has long been a focal point for demonstrations by various socialist and communist groups. Celebrations in c
ommunist countries during the Cold War era often consisted of large military parades and show of common people's support of the government.
Resident working classes fought hard and were successful in making May Day an official governmentally-sanctioned holiday (in India as well).
The 1 May date is used because in 1884, the Federation of Organized Trades and Labour Unions demanded an eight-hour workday in the United States to come in effect as of May 1, 1886 through a successful general strike and rioting. Due to these left-wing overtones, May Day has long been a focal point for demonstrations by various socialist and communist groups. Celebrations in c
ommunist countries during the Cold War era often consisted of large military parades and show of common people's support of the government.Resident working classes fought hard and were successful in making May Day an official governmentally-sanctioned holiday (in India as well).
posted by optimism at 12:20 PM
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