May Day’s association with labor movements and workers' rights began in the late 19th century. The shift from agricultural celebrations to political activism was particularly strong in the United States. In the wake of the Industrial Revolution, workers across the world were subject to harsh working conditions, long hours, and low wages. In response, labor movements began to demand better working conditions, including the establishment of an eight-hour workday.
One of the pivotal moments in the history of May Day as a labor holiday occurred in 1886 in the United States, when a general strike for the eight-hour workday culminated in the Haymarket Affair in Chicago. On May 4, 1886, a peaceful rally in support of the eight-hour workday turned violent when a bomb exploded during a confrontation between the police and protesters. The aftermath of the bombing led to the execution of several labor activists, and the Haymarket Affair became a symbol of workers' struggle for their rights.
In the years that followed, the labor movement adopted May 1st as a day of protest and solidarity. The idea of an international workers’ day was promoted by the Second International, a coalition of socialist and communist groups, which met in Paris in 1889. The group called for May 1st to be recognized as a day of international labor solidarity. The first official International Workers’ Day was celebrated on May 1st, 1890, with workers across Europe and beyond rallying for better conditions and wages.
While May Day was primarily a celebration of labor rights, it also took on a broader political and revolutionary significance, particularly among socialist and communist groups. In countries like the Soviet Union, May Day became a day to celebrate the achievements of the working class and to demonstrate support for socialism and communism. In many parts of the world, May Day was not only about labor rights but also about political activism, with large parades and demonstrations showcasing workers' demands and solidarity. shutdown123