A riot in George Street, Sydney

In 1890 unionists and employer groups faced off over wages and conditions against the background of a deep economic depression across Australia. The maritime and shearers’ strikes of 1890 and 1891 were the largest, most violent industrial actions seen in Australia, but with the government and police supporting employers both strikes failed to fulfil the unions’ objectives.

This image depicts a riot in George Street, Sydney. It shows mounted policemen in conflict with strikers, and wool laden wagons in the distance trying to make their way to Darling Harbour, Sydney.