Ruimveldt Riots (1905) facts for kids
The Ruimveldt Riots happened in British Guiana (which is now called Guyana) in 1905. These events showed how unhappy many workers were. They felt their pay was too low and their working conditions were unfair.
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What Were the Ruimveldt Riots?
The Ruimveldt Riots were a series of protests and strikes. They took place in 1905 in what was then British Guiana. Workers were very unhappy with their low wages. They also faced difficult working conditions. This led to a major uprising.
How the Strike Started
The trouble began in late November 1905. Dockworkers, also known as stevedores, in the capital city of Georgetown went on strike. They demanded higher pay for their hard work. Soon, many other workers joined them. They formed a large group to support each other.
Black Friday: A Day of Conflict
The situation became very serious on December 1, 1905. This day is now remembered as "Black Friday." Near Georgetown, at a place called Plantation Ruimveldt, a large group of workers gathered. Police and soldiers told them to leave. But the workers refused to go.
The colonial forces then opened fire on the crowd. Four workers were badly hurt. News of this shooting quickly spread through Georgetown. This made people even more upset. Protesters took over several buildings in the city. Sadly, seven people died during the violence. Seventeen others were seriously injured.
The Aftermath and Its Impact
The local government asked Britain for help. Britain sent troops, who quickly stopped the uprising. The workers' initial strike for higher wages was not immediately successful. However, the Ruimveldt Riots had a big impact. They helped start the growth of organized groups called trade unions. These unions worked to protect workers' rights.
Most of the workers who went on strike were Afro-Guyanese. They included dockworkers, factory workers, sugar cane cutters, and gold miners. Some workers of Indian descent, called Indo-Guyanese, did not join the strike. Some were even brought in to replace the striking workers. This showed how ethnic differences could sometimes make it harder for workers to unite.
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