The modern meaning of May Day comes from the labor movement in the 19th century. Workers were fighting for better conditions, including shorter working hours and safer workplaces. In 1886, large protests took place in the United States demanding an eight-hour workday. A few days later, the Haymarket Affair in Chicago turned violent and became a symbol of worker struggles. In 1889, international labor groups chose May 1 as a day to honor these events. Since then, it has been used to support workers’ rights across the world. This history is why May Day still has strong political and social meaning today.
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