44: Excessive Force pt.2: March to May

Grant Thomas
Mar 13, 2024
3 min read

Updated: May 9

A podcast on workers rights and the labor movement! Striking workers and unsafe working conditions, a uniquely American story. This week, Grant explores two historic moments in the labor rights movement. The Haymarket Riot in Chicago and the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire in New York. We learn more about Albert Parsons and Lucy Parsons, Clara Lemlich, and even get a surprise appearance from gilded age aristocrats. Discover the meaning behind May Day in today’s episode, March to May!

In this powerful episode, Grant and Maia explore the brutal labor struggles of late 19th and early 20th-century America, focusing on the Haymarket Riot of 1886 and the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire of 1911. Through the stories of activists like Albert and Lucy Parsons, the hosts reveal the extraordinary courage of immigrant workers fighting against exploitative working conditions, systemic oppression, and corporate greed. The episode reaches its emotional peak with a detailed account of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, which claimed 146 lives and ultimately sparked significant labor reforms in New York State. By connecting historical struggles to contemporary social justice issues, Grant and Maia offer a compelling narrative about the ongoing fight for workers' rights and the importance of understanding systemic inequalities. Tune in for the roots of May Day, nostalgic tangents about foldable furniture and Jon Stewart, plus a clear message that any “normal” built on abuse deserves rethinking.

Chapters/Key takeaways to listen for

[00:00:00] Cold‑open chaos: What is Charlotte the stingray and it’s ‘immaculate conception’ about?
[00:08:00] Viral‑video whiplash: The impact of online comments and the importance of maintaining a positive and supportive community
[00:23:00] Half‑marathon training pain: Challenges of balancing work, training and personal life
[00:29:47] March to May: Deep dive on the 1886 Chicago riot and the social and economic context of the time
[00:46:10] Albert and Lucy Parsons’ legacy: Their significant role in the labor movement, inequalities and other advocacies
[00:54:20] Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire: The Industrial Revolution and its consequences, specifically the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in 1911
[01:18:00] Systemic greed & déjà‑vu: Why “normal” often means exploitative; what current fights will look obvious in 100 years
[01:33:30] Modern echoes: Minimum‑wage debates, union busting, and why immigrant voices still push the U.S. forward
[01:52:07] Lessons in Historical Empathy: Reflections on the importance of understanding historical struggles and advocating for systemic change

Photos Referenced:

*Lucy Parsons - photo taken by Louis Gogler - courtesy of Wikimedia Commons*

*John Peter Altgeld, Illinois Governor - Chicago History Museum, ICHi-09404; Schloss, photographer*

Quotes:

“The point of a history education to like, seek out, and try to understand or sympathize with world views that weren't your own, and it's what's supposed to make it so interesting.” - Grant Thomas
"Thank God for immigrants in America, both for their contributions to our society, to our culture, but then also for their advocacy to have come to a country that was not their country at the time of their birth." - Grant Thomas
"There's no reason that every person needs to feel like they need to be a leader in their own right. But like you can do that by doing simple actions and like, standing up for the shit that you believe in." - Maia Warner

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