What was the role of the American Railway Union during the Pullman Strike?

• A. To promote railroad expansion
• B. To support the Pullman Company's decisions
• C. To unite railroad workers against unfair labor practices
• D. To advocate for government regulation

Answer: (C)

The role of the American Railway Union during the Pullman Strike was to unite railroad workers against unfair labor practices. This union, led by Eugene V. Debs, organized the strike in response to the poor working conditions and wage cuts experienced by workers at the Pullman Company, which manufactured railroad cars. The American Railway Union aimed to create solidarity among railroad workers to collectively demand better treatment and wages.

During the strike, the union not only called for a boycott of trains carrying Pullman cars but also sought to organize and mobilize workers across various railroads, emphasizing the importance of collective action in addressing grievances. This approach was a significant aspect of the labor movement at the time, highlighting the need for workers in the same industry to stand together in advocating for their rights and negotiating better working conditions.

While the other choices might relate to different aspects of labor history, they do not capture the central role of the union in organizing and pushing back against the injustices faced by workers during the Pullman Strike. The American Railway Union's core mission during this period was about uniting workers to confront and challenge exploitation in the labor market.