A Chicago riot in 1886 changed the labor movement in the United States. | HISTORY

Today we remember the legacy of the Haymarket Riot and August Spies, who was executed along with three other labor organizers on this day in 1887. | Drunk History

May Day, also known as International Workers' Day, is celebrated by working people throughout the world. In many countries it is actually a national holiday. But the roots of May Day are in fact American. Inspired by the struggle by U.S. workers for the 8-hour workday in the 1800s, May Day commemorates the sacrifices of workers who fought for their rights (specifically the martyrs of the 1886 Haymarket affair in Chicago) and celebrates the power of solidarity among working people worldwide. #May