Strikes! Labor History Encyclopedia for the Pacific Northwest facts for kids

Strikes! Labor History Encyclopedia of the Pacific Northwest is an online collection of information. It tells the story of how workers fought for their rights in the Pacific Northwest region. The University of Washington and Professor James N. Gregory created this project. It's part of the Pacific Northwest Labor and Civil Rights History Projects.

This encyclopedia helps young people learn about important parts of history. It covers big industries in Washington state. It also talks about major worker groups called unions. You can find out about strikes and other struggles workers faced. The site also shares stories of civil rights activism among different groups of people. It explains radical organizations and how they affected workers. Plus, it covers the Great Depression and the New Deal. These were big events that changed life for many people. The encyclopedia also looks at the history of newspapers that supported workers' rights.

What You Can Discover About Workers' History

This website is organized into different topics. These topics help you understand the social history of the Pacific Northwest. They focus on key industries and movements.

Major Industries and Worker Life

The encyclopedia explores industries like timber, waterfront, aerospace, construction, and farming. These jobs were very important to the region. Beyond just unions and strikes, the site looks at other parts of workers' lives. You can learn about daily life during the Great Depression. It also shows how workers expressed themselves through art and culture.

Fighting for Rights: Unions and Civil Rights

A big part of the encyclopedia is about how different groups worked together. It shows how radical organizations were connected to worker struggles. Groups like the Industrial Workers of the World and the Communist Party are discussed. The site also covers civil rights organizations. It tells the stories of Black, Asian-American, women, and Latino workers. They fought for fair jobs, housing, and equal rights.

How the Information Was Gathered

Much of the information comes from the Pacific Northwest Labor and Civil Rights History effort. This project has collected many important historical items. They have gathered thousands of oral histories. These are stories told by people who lived through these events. They also have rare photos and old newspapers. Plus, they include new research from experts.