The Haymarket Riot Quiz: A Test of Labor History Knowledge

1. What year did the Haymarket Riot take place?

1882

1886

1890

1901

The Haymarket Riot occurred in 1886 in Chicago, Illinois. It started as a peaceful rally advocating for workers' rights but turned violent after a bomb explosion and subsequent gunfire.

Explanation

The Haymarket Riot occurred in 1886 in Chicago, Illinois. It started as a peaceful rally advocating for workers' rights but turned violent after a bomb explosion and subsequent gunfire.

2. Which labor union was involved in organizing the Haymarket Riot?

American Federation of Labor (AFL)

Industrial Workers of the World (IWW)

Knights of Labor

United Mine Workers (UMW)

The Knights of Labor, a prominent labor union in the late 19th century, played a significant role in organizing the Haymarket Riot. They advocated for an eight-hour workday and better working conditions.

Explanation

The Knights of Labor, a prominent labor union in the late 19th century, played a significant role in organizing the Haymarket Riot. They advocated for an eight-hour workday and better working conditions.

3. Which event served as a catalyst for the Haymarket Riot?

Pullman Strike

Homestead Strike

Ludlow Massacre

McCormick Reaper Strike

The Haymarket Riot was triggered by the McCormick Reaper Strike in Chicago. This strike, led by workers demanding fair wages, drew attention to the labor issues of the time and sparked further protests.

Explanation

The Haymarket Riot was triggered by the McCormick Reaper Strike in Chicago. This strike, led by workers demanding fair wages, drew attention to the labor issues of the time and sparked further protests.

4. How many people were killed as a result of the Haymarket Riot?

4

8

12

22

The Haymarket Riot resulted in the deaths of eight people, including both police officers and civilians. Many others were injured during the riot and subsequent confrontation.

Explanation

The Haymarket Riot resulted in the deaths of eight people, including both police officers and civilians. Many others were injured during the riot and subsequent confrontation.

5. Who organized the Haymarket Rally that preceded the riot?

Samuel Gompers

Eugene V. Debs

Terence Powderly

Albert Parsons

Albert Parsons, a prominent labor organizer and socialist, was one of the key organizers of the Haymarket Rally that took place on May 4, 1886, in Haymarket Square, Chicago. He later faced punishment for his involvement in the riot.

Explanation

Albert Parsons, a prominent labor organizer and socialist, was one of the key organizers of the Haymarket Rally that took place on May 4, 1886, in Haymarket Square, Chicago. He later faced punishment for his involvement in the riot.

6. Who threw the bomb that led to the start of the Haymarket Riot?

August Spies

Albert Parsons

George Engel

Rudolph Schnaubelt

August Spies, an anarchist and labor activist, was accused of throwing the bomb that set off the violence during the Haymarket Riot. He, along with other labor leaders, was later arrested and sentenced to death.

Explanation

August Spies, an anarchist and labor activist, was accused of throwing the bomb that set off the violence during the Haymarket Riot. He, along with other labor leaders, was later arrested and sentenced to death.

7. What were the Haymarket defendants known as?

Chicago Eight

Haymarket Square Martyrs

Labor Leaders United

Worker Advocates

The defendants in the Haymarket trial, comprising labor leaders and activists, were often referred to as the Haymarket Square Martyrs. Several of them were executed, while others received lengthy prison sentences.

Explanation

The defendants in the Haymarket trial, comprising labor leaders and activists, were often referred to as the Haymarket Square Martyrs. Several of them were executed, while others received lengthy prison sentences.

8. What May 1st holiday is often associated with the Haymarket Riot?

Labor Day

May Day

International Workers' Day

Memorial Day

The Haymarket Riot has strong ties to the celebration of International Workers' Day, also known as May Day. This holiday originated in commemoration of the Haymarket defendants and their struggle for workers' rights.

Explanation

The Haymarket Riot has strong ties to the celebration of International Workers' Day, also known as May Day. This holiday originated in commemoration of the Haymarket defendants and their struggle for workers' rights.

9. What was the legal response to the Haymarket Riot?

Repeal of anti-union laws

Implementation of the eight-hour workday

Establishment of workers' compensation

Repression and crackdown on labor movements

Following the Haymarket Riot, there was a severe backlash against the labor movements. Authorities used the incident as an opportunity to suppress labor organizing and activism, leading to increased repression and crackdowns.

Explanation

Following the Haymarket Riot, there was a severe backlash against the labor movements. Authorities used the incident as an opportunity to suppress labor organizing and activism, leading to increased repression and crackdowns.

10. Which labor newspaper was linked to the Haymarket defendants?

The Chicago Tribune

The New York Times

The Nation

The Alarm

The Alarm, a labor newspaper, was closely associated with the Haymarket defendants and their supporters. The newspaper was known for its radical viewpoints and coverage of workers' struggles.

Explanation

The Alarm, a labor newspaper, was closely associated with the Haymarket defendants and their supporters. The newspaper was known for its radical viewpoints and coverage of workers' struggles.