In 1919, Seattle shipyard workers went on strike for higher wages. Other labor unions stopped work too, thus starting the nation's first general strike. Many people feared the strike would lead to violence. Seattle's mayor and chief of police deputized groups of soldiers and sailors to help keep the peace. Most of the strikers stayed home, however, and the city stayed calm.
<p>In this photo, a group of deputies receives guns from city personnel.
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<ul><li>Subjects (LCTGM): Strikes; Law enforcement; General Strike, Seattle, Wash., 1919--People</li></ul>
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Webster &amp; Stevens</div>
Taken on 6 February 1919
<a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://digitalcollections.lib.washington.edu/digital/collection/imlsmohai/search">Museum of History and Industry</a>