30,000 Locked Out. The Great Strike of the Building Trades in Chicago.   By: James C. Beeks

In "30,000 Locked Out: The Great Strike of the Building Trades in Chicago," James C. Beeks provides readers with a thorough and engaging account of one of the most significant labor strikes in American history. This book delves into the depths of the event, shedding light on the struggles and triumphs of the working class during a time of immense social and economic disparity.

Beeks' meticulous research is evident throughout the narrative, as he meticulously documents the origins, development, and ultimate resolution of the strike. Drawing from archival sources, firsthand accounts, and newspaper reports, the author leaves no stone unturned in his exploration of this pivotal moment in Chicago's labor history.

What sets this book apart from others is Beeks' remarkable ability to humanize the individuals involved in the strike. Through his vivid storytelling, he introduces readers to the brave men and women who stood up against oppressive working conditions and fought for their rights. By weaving personal anecdotes and testimonials into the larger historical context, Beeks succeeds in creating a deeply empathetic portrayal of the strikers and their families, making their struggles and sacrifices all the more poignant.

Moreover, Beeks skillfully captures the tense atmosphere that permeated Chicago during this time period. His vivid descriptions of picket lines, clashes with police, and the general turmoil in the city, transport readers to a world filled with both profound despair and unwavering hope. This attention to detail not only paints a realistic picture of the strike but also immerses readers in the broader social and political climate of early 20th-century Chicago.

While the book primarily focuses on the building trades' strike, Beeks also takes the opportunity to address larger themes such as the power dynamics between labor and capital, the influence of immigrant workers on the strike, and the role of organized labor in shaping American society. These thought-provoking explorations enrich the overall narrative and provide readers with a deeper understanding of the strike's significance beyond its immediate context.

One potential drawback of the book is its dense writing style, which might deter some readers looking for a more accessible account of the strike. Beeks' commitment to historical accuracy and comprehensive analysis occasionally results in lengthy passages that could have been condensed for greater readability. Nonetheless, the book's rich content and compelling storytelling compensate for this minor flaw.

Overall, "30,000 Locked Out" offers an illuminating and comprehensive examination of a critical moment in Chicago's labor history. James C. Beeks' dedication to uncovering the true impact of the strike and his ability to humanize the individuals involved make this book an essential read for anyone interested in the struggle for workers' rights and social justice. With its meticulous research, vivid storytelling, and thought-provoking analysis, Beeks has undoubtedly added an invaluable contribution to labor history literature.

First Page:

The attention of the world has been called to the great strike and lockout in the building trades in Chicago because it rested upon the question of individual liberty a question which is not only vital alike to the employer and the employe, but which affects every industry, every class of people, every city, state and country. It is a principle which antagonizes no motive which has been honestly conceived, but upon which rests or should rest the entire social, political and industrial fabric of a nation. It underlies the very foundation of free institutions. To antagonize it is to thrust at the beginning point of that freedom for which brave men have laid down their lives in every land since the formation of society. With this question prominently in the fight, and considering the magnitude of the interests affected, it is not at all surprising that the public has manifested interest in the agitation of questions which have affected the pockets of thirty thousand artisans and laborers, hundreds of employers, scores of manufacturers and dealers in building materials, stopped the erection of thousands of structures of all classes, and driven into the vaults of a great city capital amounting to not less than $20,000,000... Continue reading book >>