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National Labor Union
National Labor Union passes a resolution calling for an 8 hour work day. -
First 8 Hour Law
Illinois enacts the nation's first eight-hour law, but employers refuse to comply and the law is rendered meaningless. -
The Federation of Organized Trades and Labor Union
The Federation of Organized Trades and Labor Union declares its goal of having eight hours constitute a legal day of work, beginning May 1, 1886. -
"Emancipation Day"
100,000 American workers go on strike in support of the eight-hour workday. The strike day ends peacefully in Chicago, where German anarchists toast their "Emancipation Day." -
Louis Lingg and William Seliger
Louis Lingg and William Seliger make 30 to 50 bombs. They later transport them to Nepf’s Hall....At 7:30 PM, a rally to protest the violent attack on demonstrators at McCormicks and support the eight-hour day begins at Haymarket in Chicago. At 8:15, August Spies arrives at the rally. At 8:30, Albert Parsons arrives at the meeting of the American Group. A half hour later, he begins speaking at the Haymarket. He speaks for about an hour, and then leaves for Zepf's Hall. Samuel Fielden begins -
Jury Delivers its Verdict
Jury delivers its verdict of guilty for the 8 defendants. All defendants, except Neebe, are sentenced to receive the death penalty. Neebe is sentenced to 15 years of hard labor. -
Hanging Time
Spies, Parson, Fielden, and Engel are hanged at noon. -
Thousands Attend
Thousands attend the unveiling of a new monument to the Haymarket martyrs at Waldheim Cemetery in Forest Park, Illinois. -
Pardoned by Governor
Fielden, Schwab, and Neebe are pardoned by Governor John Peter Altgeld. The move effectively ends Altgeld's promising political career. -
Fair Labor Standards Act
The Fair Labor Standards Act makes eight hours a legal days work in the United States.
