Coxey's Army

Coxey's Army, also known as the Commonweal in Christ, was a protest march by unemployed workers from across the United States in 1894. It was led by Jacob Coxey, an Ohio businessman and Populist, who advocated for government intervention to alleviate the severe economic hardship caused by the Panic of 1893.

The Panic of 1893 triggered a deep depression characterized by widespread unemployment, bank failures, and business bankruptcies. Coxey believed the government should create jobs for the unemployed by investing in public works projects, specifically road construction. He proposed a bill that would authorize the printing of $500 million in paper money to fund these projects, providing work at a rate of $1.50 per day.

Coxey organized a march from Massillon, Ohio, to Washington, D.C., to present his proposal to Congress and raise public awareness of the plight of the unemployed. Starting with a small group, the "army" grew as it traveled eastward, attracting unemployed workers, farmers, and sympathizers along the way. Other groups, inspired by Coxey's example, formed similar "armies" across the country, intending to converge on the capital.

Coxey's Army reached Washington, D.C., on May 1, 1894. The marchers were met by a large police presence and were prevented from assembling on the Capitol grounds. Coxey and several other leaders were arrested for trespassing on the Capitol lawn. Coxey was fined $5 and sentenced to 20 days in jail.

Although Coxey's Army did not achieve its immediate legislative goals, it had a significant impact on American politics and public opinion. It brought national attention to the suffering caused by the depression and highlighted the need for government action to address unemployment. It is considered an early example of a large-scale protest movement and a precursor to later labor and social reform movements. The march also contributed to the growing support for the Populist Party and its platform of government intervention in the economy. While the immediate impact was limited, Coxey's Army helped pave the way for future New Deal programs and a broader acceptance of the government's role in providing economic security for its citizens.