SSUNS logo

Crisis Committees

Extra! Extra! Read All About It - Newsboys' Strike of 1899

Newsboys' Strike of 1899.

The daily morning newspaper in 1899 was the heartbeat of every American city, until it stopped arriving. What if the most vital link in the supply chain refused to work? In early August 1899, the newsboys, children who hawked papers on street corners, went on strike to demand fair pay from the powerful newspaper companies that were profiting from their labor. Armed with courage, cleverness, and street smarts, these young workers challenged economic giants and showed that even the smallest voices could make a big impact. In this committee, delegates will debate the rights of these newsboys, negotiate with newspaper owners, and explore strategies to give young workers recognition and leverage. Will the strike spark reform, inspire future entrepreneurs, or be crushed by the media tycoons? The outcome rests in the hands of the board, and every decision has the power to rewrite history.

If you have questions, please contact Will Greer at crisis@ssuns.org.

Committee room with placards and dais

Track

Crisis Committees

Level

Regular

Difficulty

Regular

Resources

Committee resources will be added here as they are released.

Background Guide

Background guides will be released closer to the conference.