Boston Police Strike facts for kids

The Boston Police Strike was a big event that happened in Massachusetts in 1919. More than a thousand police officers stopped working. They wanted to earn more money and have better working conditions. The Governor of Massachusetts, Calvin Coolidge, believed it was wrong for police to strike because they protect everyone. Coolidge fired the officers who went on strike. He then hired veterans who had fought in World War I to take their places. He even gave these new officers the same pay raises the striking police had asked for. This event made Coolidge very popular, helping him become Vice President of the United States and later the President.

The Boston Police Strike of 1919

The Boston Police Strike was a major moment in American history. It showed how important police officers are to keeping a city safe. It also highlighted the power of a governor's decisions.

Why Did Police Officers Strike?

In 1919, police officers in Boston were not paid very well. They worked long hours and had poor working conditions. They also wanted to form a labor union to help them ask for better pay and benefits. The city's police commissioner, Edwin U. Curtis, did not want them to form a union. He even suspended some officers for trying to organize. This made many officers very unhappy, leading them to decide to strike.

Life as a Police Officer in 1919

Imagine working 73 hours a week, with only one day off every two weeks! That was common for Boston police officers. Their pay was low, and they had to buy their own uniforms. They felt their jobs were dangerous, but they weren't getting the support they needed. They hoped a strike would force the city to listen to their demands.

What Happened During the Strike?

On September 9, 1919, many police officers walked off the job. This left the city of Boston with very few police. Without officers patrolling the streets, there was a lot of disorder. People started to worry about their safety.

The City Without Police

For a few days, Boston was a chaotic place. There were reports of looting and other crimes. Stores closed early, and people were afraid to go out. The mayor of Boston called for help from the state militia. These soldiers were sent in to try and restore order.

Who Was Calvin Coolidge?

Calvin Coolidge was the Governor of Massachusetts at the time. He was a strong leader who believed in law and order. When the police went on strike, he saw it as a serious threat to public safety. He famously said, "There is no right to strike against the public safety by anybody, anywhere, any time."

Coolidge's Big Decision

Governor Coolidge took a firm stand. He supported the police commissioner's decision to fire the striking officers. He then ordered the state militia to patrol Boston. He also made sure that new police officers were hired quickly. Many of these new officers were veterans from World War I. They were given the same pay raises that the striking officers had asked for.

What Was the Result of the Strike?

The strike ended with the striking officers being fired and replaced. This was a tough outcome for the police who went on strike. However, it sent a clear message that public safety was a top priority.

A New Beginning for Police

After the strike, the Boston Police Department was rebuilt with new officers. The event also had a huge impact on Calvin Coolidge's career. His strong actions during the strike made him famous across the country. People saw him as a decisive leader. This popularity helped him become the Vice President of the United States in 1921. Later, he became President after the death of President Warren G. Harding.

Images for kids

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  Governor of Massachusetts Calvin Coolidge inspects the militia during the Boston Police Strike of 1919.

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  Edwin U. Curtis Boston Police Commissioner
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  Newly arrived Massachusetts Militia try to keep order in Scollay Square

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  A company of Massachusetts Militia await assignment to police duty during the strike