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Steel mill worker fighting to cross a picket line outside the Cambria Steel Mill, Johnstown, Pa. June 14, 1937.
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Steel mill worker fighting to cross a picket line outside the Cambria Steel Mill, Johnstown, Pa. June 14, 1937.

Credit: Image donated by Corbis-Bettmann

In May, 1937, SWOC launched the first major steel strike since 1919, against the "Little Steel" companies, including Bethlehem Steel. To prevent an explosion of violence–and to pressure Bethlehem president Eugene Grace to the bargaining table–Pennsylvania Governor George Earle on June 20 declared martial law in Johnstown. Earle soon revoked his declaration, after which the strike quickly collapsed.

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