The Boston Police Strike of 1919 👮🏼♂️ The Forgotten Clash That Shaped the City
History is often marked by significant events that shape the course of a city's development. One such event that has often been overshadowed is the Boston Police Strike of 1919. This clash, fueled by a combination of social tensions and economic factors, left an indelible mark on the city and on Bostonians. In this blog post, we will delve into the factual account of the strike and shed light on three fascinating individuals who played notable roles in this forgotten chapter of Boston's history.
The Strike:
The strike erupted on the evening of September 9, 1919, following a controversial labor strike by the Boston Police Department. Over 1,100 officers walked off their posts in protest against Curtis's refusal to allow them to unionize. The ensuing chaos saw a wave of violence, looting, and destruction throughout the city. Fueled by racial and ethnic tensions, the riot escalated further as African American residents were targeted in predominantly Irish-American neighborhoods.
The aftermath of the riot was significant, with multiple casualties and widespread property damage. The events also highlighted the deep-seated racial and ethnic divisions that plagued the city at the time, calling attention to the urgent need for social reforms and improved working conditions.
1. Police Commissioner Edwin Upton Curtis:
At the center of the storm was Police Commissioner Edwin Upton Curtis. Known for his uncompromising approach towards maintaining order, Curtis had a reputation for being heavy-handed in dealing with labor strikes and social unrest. As tensions escalated during the summer of 1919, Curtis's policies and actions came under scrutiny. Many criticized his decision to assign inexperienced officers to patrol areas with high immigrant populations, exacerbating the already simmering discontent.
2. Governor Calvin Coolidge:
Another prominent figure in the strike was Governor Calvin Coolidge. As the riot unfolded, Coolidge's steadfast leadership and commitment to upholding law and order played a pivotal role in shaping the events that followed. While some accused Coolidge of favoring the business elite over the working class, others praised his unwavering stance in maintaining public safety. Coolidge's response to the unrest propelled him into the national spotlight, eventually leading to his election as Vice President and later as the 30th President of the United States.
3. Louise Day Hicks:
A lesser-known yet intriguing character in the Boston Riot narrative is Louise Day Hicks. At the time of the riot, Hicks was a young girl living in South Boston. As tensions flared between Irish immigrants and African American residents who sought to move into the neighborhood, Hicks witnessed firsthand the divisions tearing her community apart. Years later, Hicks would emerge as a controversial political figure, known for her opposition to desegregation efforts in Boston's public schools during the 1960s. Her involvement in the strike of 1919 undoubtedly shaped her views and political trajectory.
Legacy and Lessons:
While the strike of 1919 may have faded from the collective memory, its impact on the city cannot be ignored. The clash laid bare the existing social and economic disparities, igniting discussions about labor rights, racial tensions, and the need for better community relations. The aftermath of the riot served as a catalyst for progressive changes, including the strengthening of labor unions, reforms in police practices, and increased public awareness of the issues facing marginalized communities.
