History Daily The Boston Police Strike
Sep 9, 2025
In 1919, Boston erupted in chaos as police officers went on strike for better pay and working conditions. Patrolman John McInnes and his colleagues faced dire challenges, sparking a historic labor movement. As violence escalated, Harvard students formed a regiment to restore order amid the unrest. Governor Calvin Coolidge's decisive actions not only shifted public support but also propelled his political career. This pivotal moment ignited nationwide discussions on labor rights and transformed the landscape of law enforcement.
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Student Peacekeeper's Wild Night
- A Harvard student volunteered as a peacekeeper the night the Boston police began their strike and carried only a baton.
- He faced vandalism, gunfire, and the fear of being outnumbered while trying to maintain order on September 9, 1919.
Economic Strain Sparked Unionization
- Boston police wages lagged far behind rising living costs and officers endured extreme hours and poor conditions.
- Those persistent grievances pushed officers to organize and ultimately form a union affiliated with the AFL.
Commissioner's Hard Line Escalated Crisis
- Police Commissioner Edwin Upton Curtis rejected unionization and framed it as insubordination against public safety.
- His suspensions and anti-union rule escalated tensions and led directly to the strike vote of over 1,100 officers.
