The history of the holiday in the world

This date originates in the American city of Chicago, where on May 1, 1886 a large-scale protest of workers took place. Tired of unbearable conditions, people demanded that the number of working hours per day be limited to 8. But the rally not only did not achieve its goal, but also led to numerous casualties among the protesters.

The American authorities, who were not going to reduce the 15-hour working day, ordered the police to take harsh measures against the protesters. As a result, a massive fire was opened, which claimed hundreds of lives. Despite this, workers continued to protest on May 1 each year, demanding that their harsh working conditions be taken into account. Such rallies often ended in real fights with the police. It was in memory of the first Chicago protest that the date began to be celebrated, first of all, as Labor Day.

Such mass demonstrations did not go unnoticed. The Congress of the Second International, which was held in Paris in 1889, decided to call May 1 the World Day of Workers' Solidarity. This was done in honor of the workers of Chicago, who were the first to decide to repulse the existing system.

In addition, it was decided at the Congress that people of all states have the right to go to rallies annually on May 1 and put forward their demands, which are of a social nature. Thus, Labor Day was officially recognized at the state level.