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FROM THE ARCHIVES - Chicago Steel and the 1937 Memorial Day Massacre

Chicago History Podcast

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The 1937 Chicago Steel Strike

1,500 people marched on Republic's plant in Chicago armed with signs declaring their right to protest. The marchers were met near the plant gate by 250 plus members of the Chicago Police who had been fed and given weapons by the Steel Mill. When the crowd got close enough, the police reportedly told them to disperse using choice words and threaten them with harm if they didn't leave. What happened next is still a little unclear. Some reports say a tree branch was thrown at police. Others say police fired a warning shot into the air. And then... Police opened fire on the crowd. Tear gas canisters were sent into the mass of picketers. Lupé Marshall turned to see people

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