America's First Free Speech Crisis (1798)

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The English writer G.K. Chesterton once said that America is the only nation in the world that is founded on a creed. That creed is set forth in the Declaration of Independence. Perhaps the only piece of practical politics that is also theoretical politics and also great literature. It enunciates that all men are equal in their claim to justice. That governments exist to give them that justice. TIMELINE 1919: The general steel strike begins. 1920: And for 15 years after that defeat, there's almost no union organizing in the steel industry. 1930: Then, in 1933, the National Industry Recovery Act sparks renewed organizing. 1933: But there's another shadow over Wheeling Steel. WHY THIS MATTERS The story of Philadelphia is a reminder that the events that shaped America didn't always happen in the biggest cities. What unfolded here left marks on the community that are still visible today. The full story is more complicated, and more human, than the version most people know. Episode 17 | Hometown History | Hosted by Shane Waters If you liked this: Episode 176 (Erie, Pennsylvania) Hometown History explores forgotten stories from small-town America. The overlooked events, hidden triumphs, and buried tragedies that shaped the country we live in. New episodes every Tuesday. Find every episode at mythsandmalice.com/hometown-historyAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy