The first organized labor strike in U.S. history is widely recognized as the Great Railroad Strike of 1877. Sparked by wage cuts and poor working conditions during a national economic depression, the strike began on July 17, 1877, when workers protested on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. The movement quickly spread across multiple states, disrupting rail traffic and leading to violent clashes. The federal government's intervention highlighted the growing tensions between labor and capital. This strike marked a watershed moment, galvanizing the labor movement in America and leading to greater awareness of workers' rights and the need for organized labor representation.