What action did Attorney General Richard Olney take during the Pullman Strike?

• A. He organized the labor union.
• B. He used federal injunctions and troops to suppress the strike.
• C. He supported the workers' demands.
• D. He negotiated a peace agreement.

Answer: (B)

Richard Olney's action during the Pullman Strike involved using federal injunctions and deploying troops to suppress the strike. This response is rooted in the federal government's approach to labor unrest at the time, reflecting a broader context of tensions between labor movements and governmental authority.

By issuing injunctions, Olney sought to legally prohibit the striking workers—primarily railroad workers—from continuing their protests. His decision to involve federal troops was based on the argument that the strike was disrupting mail delivery and interstate commerce, which the government had a vested interest in maintaining. This marked a significant moment in labor history, illustrating the extent to which the federal government was willing to intervene in labor disputes on the side of business interests.

The historical backdrop includes the intense national frustration over the economic conditions and labor rights, leading to confrontations like the Pullman Strike. Olney’s decisive actions emphasized the government’s alignment with corporate interests and demonstrated the lengths to which officials would go to address economic stability, even at the cost of workers' rights and safety. This intervention ultimately escalated the conflict and highlighted the broader tensions between labor and management that characterized this era.