The strike
See how a series of events unfolded that set the stage for the famous 1937 strike in Monroe Michigan. Then see what happened since.

Timeline
To view the events that led up to the strike, click on the links above. The strike itself occurred in 1937.

Monroe / Frenchtown
Monroe Michigan has played many important roles in the development of our nation. Since before the existence of the United States, the area situated on the Great Lakes has helped determine the outcome of conflicts and the fates of nations.

The earliest inhabitants of the Monroe area endured major struggles caused by invasions from opposing military forces. Outnumbered, these settlers banded together to protect each other.

Like these early settlers, the citizens of Monroe again felt threatened in 1937. Violent labor protests in cities like Chicago created fear in those who called Monroe home. This fear came to a dramatic peak when workers at Monroe's Newton Steel plant went on strike. Again the citizens of Monroe banded together
to protect the community.

After the discovery of the New World (North America) by European explorers many countries competed to expand their territory and political influence by colonizing this land. The area we now call Monroe was considered desirable by traders and colonists from France because its’ location made it an excellent route for the shipment of their goods.

This struggle culminated in the 1750s-1760s, in a war known as the Seven Years’ War and alternately the French and Indian War, where the fight for control of North America was lost by France and won by Great Britain, which dominated the area until America declared its independence and defeated the British military in North America.

In 1812, America found itself at war with Great Britain again. In this war two battles occurred on the site of Monroe, then known as Frenchtown. Because the lake system narrows near Monroe, the British had an opportunity to stop ships from providing assistance to the American Army (Kentuckians) fighting them in other parts of the country. To do this they would first have to control the land surrounding the lake to provide safe ports for their ships. Fortunately for America the British lost control of the Great Lakes.

The Times
The early and mid 20th century was a time of great change for the country. Advances in technology reshaped America from a country living largely in rural areas to a country with a growing urban population. Recovering from the First World War, and a massive economic slowdown known as the Great Depression, America and the Organized Labor movement was at a turning point.

Monroe in the 1930s during a parade

November 8 1927
The Industrial Commission was formed in Monroe to attract industry to the City.