Winnipeg General Strike 1919

A massive six-week general strike in Winnipeg in 1919 nearly crippled the city. The 30,000 striking workers were generally peaceful and worked to maintain essential services, but authorities reacted aggressively. Canadian newspapers spread fear about Bolshevism and a red conspiracy. When the Winnipeg police wouldn't sign a no-strike pledge, they were fired and replaced with 1800 "Specials" supplied with horses and baseball bats. The Immigration Act was changed to allow deportation of British-born strike leaders, and the definition of sedition in the Criminal Code was broadened. After the Mounties charged a demonstration on Bloody Saturday, with two killed and 30 injured, the strike was called off. There were few gains for the workers.

Photo: Library and Archives Canada / PA-163001

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