Stuff You Missed in History Class SYMHC Classics: Coxey's Army
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Mar 1, 2025 Discover the fascinating story of Coxey's Army, the first protest march on Washington led by Jacob Coxey in the 1890s. Delve into their fight for job creation during the economic turmoil of the Panic of 1893. Explore how Coxey's vision for infrastructure reform sparked conversations about labor rights and social justice that resonate today. Uncover the challenges faced by marchers and the mixed reactions from the public as they advocated for change. Finally, learn how Coxey's ideas laid groundwork for future economic reforms like FDR's New Deal.
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Coxey's Early Life
- Jacob Coxey, born in 1854, had a varied career.
- He worked in mills, scrap metal, and owned a sandstone quarry and horse farm.
Coxey's Plan
- Coxey developed the "Good Roads Bill" proposing road improvements funded by non-interest bonds.
- This plan aimed to create jobs and stimulate the economy during the Panic of 1893.
Carl Brown's Eccentricities
- Carl Brown, a showman and labor agitator, joined Coxey's cause.
- Brown believed Coxey was the reincarnation of Andrew Jackson and wore a Buffalo Bill costume.