Today in Labor History—July 15

John Ball

July 15, 1381 – Peasants Revolt leader John Ball was executed in St. Albans by hanging, drawing and quartering. His head was later stuck on a pike and left on London Bridge. Ball was a radical, roving priest who routinely pissed off the Archbishop of Canterbury. He was imprisoned at least three times as a result and was ultimately excommunicated. He helped inspire peasants to rise up in June of 1381, though he was in prison at the time. Kentish rebels soon freed him. (From Wikipedia and the Daily Bleed)

July 15, 1915 – In spite of the Munitions of War Act, 200,000 Welsh mine workers struck for higher pay. (From the Daily Bleed)

July15, 1917 – Alexander Berkman, Emma Goldman and other radicals were indicted under the new Espionage Act for their anti-draft activities. Goldman and Berkman got two-year prison sentences and $10,000 fines. (From the Daily Bleed)

July 15, 1917 – 50,000 lumberjacks struck for a 8-hour day.

July 15, 1959 – United Steel workers began the longest steel strike in the U.S., ending January 4, 1960 . (From the Daily Bleed)