The tension between the unions and the Minnesota Commission of Public Safety (CPS) escalated due to the unions' refusal to remove their buttons and defy orders.
The Commission of Public Safety (CCA) formed in Minnesota to suppress dissent and labor movements, ultimately exerting control over the state.
The Minnesota experience highlights the importance of unified leftist movements to challenge the power imbalance between businesses and laborers.
Deep dives
Labor Unions Defy Commission and CPS
During the labor rally in Rice Park, the unions turn into a mob and begin attacking street cars and scab operators. The CPS calls in a private army to protect the street cars and deal with the union violence. However, tensions escalate as the unions refuse to take off their buttons and defy the orders from the commission. The feds get involved and urge negotiations to avoid a general strike, but the CPS and commission argue against it, claiming it would interfere with their plans. Ultimately, the feds back off and wait to see what happens.
CCA Forms Minnesota Commission of Public Safety
The CCA forms the Minnesota Commission of Public Safety (CPS) with the goal to crack down on anyone who opposes the war, including socialists, labor organizers, and the Non-partisan League. The CPS is given significant power and funding to protect property and suppress dissent, leading to restrictions on unions and the outlawing of strikes and lockouts. The CPS utilizes a private army to deal with protesting union members and prevent further disruptions. The conflict between the unions and CPS escalates as both sides refuse to back down.
Union Buttons and Streetcar Violence
The issue of buttons becomes a flashpoint in the conflict between the unions and the CPS. The unions refuse to remove their buttons and the CPS issues an order against it. Violence breaks out as the private army is called in to protect streetcars, leading to further clashes between the union members and the auxiliary forces. The feds get involved, suggesting negotiations to avoid a general strike, but both the CPS and union leaders resist interference. Ultimately, tensions continue to rise as both sides remain defiant and committed to their cause.
Rise of the Private Army: A Dictatorship in Minnesota
During the early 1900s in Minnesota, a private army known as the Commission of Public Safety (CCA) was formed, which merged the interests of businesses with the state. The CCA employed tactics such as spying, forming a private police force, and suppressing labor movements. While the federal government initially tried to intervene, they eventually backed off, allowing the CCA to exert control over the state. The CCA's rule continued for 16 years, during which they spied on unions, suppressed dissent, and propagated propaganda. However, the power of the CCA was eventually challenged by the Teamsters strike of 1934, which marked a turning point when laborers took control of Minneapolis, and the influence of the CCA started to wane.
The Need for Unified Leftist Movements
The Minnesota experience serves as a reminder of the importance of unified leftist movements. The power imbalance between businesses and laborers was clearly evident, with the interests of the former overriding the rights of the latter. To counter this, the speaker advocates for individuals to join organizations like the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) and build the ranks of leftist movements. By banding together, laborers can challenge the control exerted by private armies and government institutions that suppress their rights. The speaker emphasizes the need for unity and mutual aid in order to bring about significant change and protect the interests of workers.
Comedians Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds examine the 1917 Minneapolis, Minnesota right wing reaction to socialists success in North Dakota and strikes. Recorded live in St Paul.
