The Great Strike of 1877
Source Analysis Chart
Directions: PART A: Complete the chart for each of the documents listed. Not every document
will have a response for each section. Make sure you answer the sub questions for each category.
Origin of Document
What type of document is it?
What is purpose of the
document? What bias might
the creator have?
Problems for
Workers Indicated
in Document
Problems for
Bosses Indicated
in Document
Potential Solutions
Indicated in
Document
(answer may be: none)
(answer may be: none)
(answer may be: none)
Who benefits from the
solution?
Photo:
Workers
Photo:
Bosses
Gov.
Wheeling
Letter
Railroad
Gazette
Involvement of the U.S. Gov’t during the Strike of 1877 and . . .
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Origin of Document
What type of document is it?
What is purpose of the
document? What bias might
the creator have?
Problems for
Workers Indicated
in Document
Problems for
Bosses Indicated
in Document
Potential Solutions
Indicated in
Document
(answer may be: none)
(answer may be: none)
(answer may be: none)
Who benefits from the
solution?
Army
Illustration
Gatling
Letter
Directions: PART B: Of the solutions listed, which do you think would have been the best
course for the government to take? Why? What are possible positive outcomes of this solution?
What are the possible negative outcomes of this solution?
Involvement of the U.S. Gov’t during the Strike of 1877 and . . .
6
The Great Strike of 1877
Assessment
Directions: You are President Rutherford B. Hayes. You receive all of this information
about the Great Strike of 1877 and must decide the best course for the federal
government. Write a plan of action, or alternatively, write a paper justifying inaction on
the part of the federal government.
o
Justify your solution.
o
Explain potential downfalls and benefits of your solution.
o
Use specific information from the documents to support your conclusions and
analysis.
Involvement of the U.S. Gov’t during the Strike of 1877 and . . .
7
Primary Source A:
Mechanical Force Photograph
Mechanical Force Grafton , WV [1885]. Photograph. Hays T. Watkins Research Library. P1.6.2.1-001.
Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum, Baltimore, MD.
Involvement of the U.S. Gov’t during the Strike of 1877 and . . .
10
Primary Source B:
Railroad Bosses Photograph
B&O Railroad Bosses [1871]. Photograph. Hays T. Watkins Research Library. P1.6.24-001. Baltimore &
Ohio Railroad Museum, Baltimore, MD.
Involvement of the U.S. Gov’t during the Strike of 1877 and . . .
11
Document C
Wheeling, July 18, 1877
To His Excellency, R.B. Hayes,
President of the U.S.
Washington, D.C.:
Owing to unlawful combinations and domestic violence now existing at
Martinsburg and at other points along the line of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad,
it is impossible with any force at my command to execute the laws of the State. I
therefore call upon your Excellency for the assistance of the United States military
to protect the law abiding people of the State against domestic violence, and to
maintain supremacy of the law.
The legislature is not now in session and could not assemble in time to take
any action in the emergence. A force of from two to three hundred troops should be
sent without delay to Martinsburg, where my aid, Col. Delaplain, will meet and
confer with the officer in command.
H.M. Matthews
Governor of West Va.
“Governor Mattthew’s Letter.” Baltimore American. July 18, 1877.
Involvement of the U.S. Gov’t during the Strike of 1877 and . . .
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Document D
“The Baltimore & Ohio Strike.” Editorial.
Railroad Gazette Volume 9. July 20, 1877.
pg. 329.
Involvement of the U.S. Gov’t during the Strike of 1877 and . . .
13
Document E
Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper [1877]. Illustration. Hays T. Watkins Research Library.
P1.7.17.002. Baltimore & Railroad Museum, Baltimore, MD.
Involvement of the U.S. Gov’t during the Strike of 1877 and . . .
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Document F
Involvement of the U.S. Gov’t during the Strike of 1877 and . . .
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Edger T. Welles. “Letter to” John W. Garrett, Esqr. [August 24, 1877]. “Manuscript.” B&O
Railroad Museum.
Involvement of the U.S. Gov’t during the Strike of 1877 and . . .
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Edger T. Welles. “Letter to” John W. Garrett, Esqr. [August 24,
1877]. “Manuscript.” B&O Railroad Museum.
[transcription of letter]
Office of Gatling Gun Company
Hartford, Conn. U.S.A.
August 24, 1877
John W. Garrett, Esqr.
President Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company,
Baltimore, MD
Sir;
The recent riotous disturbances throughout the country, have shown the
necessity of preparation by such corporations as the one over which you preside,
to meet violence by superior force and skill.
The calls made upon us during the existence of the riots were too sudden
to be promptly met, and we have the honor to suggest that you strengthen
yourselves now against such emergencies in the future, by providing yourselves
with Gatling guns.
The reputation, character, and effectiveness of the gun, are too well known
to be repeated. Four or five men only are required to operate it, and our Gatling,
with a full supply of ammunition, can clear a street or track, and keep it clear.
Hence, a few tried employees supplied with Gatlings, afford a Railroad Company a
perfect means of defense within itself.
We forward to your address by this mail, various publications relating to
the gun, and will be happy to furnish any additional information in our power.
Most respectfully,
Your obedient servants,
Gatlin Gun Company,
By Edger T. Welles
Treasurer.
Involvement of the U.S. Gov’t during the Strike of 1877 and . . .
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