The origins of Labor Day in the US are rooted in which event?

The origins of Labor Day in the United States are closely linked to the Pullman Strike of 1894, which was a significant event in labor history. The strike began at the Pullman Company in Chicago when workers protested wage cuts and high rents in the company town. The situation escalated and garnered nationwide attention, ultimately leading to a federal intervention due to the strike disrupting mail delivery and interstate commerce.

In response to the turmoil and the strike's impact on the economy, President Grover Cleveland sought to appease labor groups by establishing Labor Day as a federal holiday, which was intended to honor the contributions of American workers and promote peaceful relations between labor and management. This direct connection between the Pullman Strike and the creation of Labor Day underscores the significance of the event in shaping labor rights and recognition in the United States.

While the other choices reflect important labor-related events and concepts, they do not have the same direct historical link to the establishment of Labor Day as the Pullman Strike does. The formation of the Department of Labor, the violent end of the Matteotti strike in Italy, and the establishment of the eight-hour workday are all significant in their own rights but not foundational to Labor Day in the U.S.