EP 161: The Newsboys Strike of 1899

EP 161: The Newsboys Strike of 1899

From Hashtag History by Hashtag History

February 24, 2026 · 49 min · Season 17 · Episode 161

About this episode

This episode discusses the 1899 Newsboy Strike in New York City, highlighting child labor organizing and its impact on newspaper distribution.

WELCOME BACK FOR SEASON SEVENTEEN AND A LEAH TAKEOVER EPISODE! This week on Hashtag History, we will be discussing the 1899 Newsboy Strike. In the summer of 1899, New York City newsboys (or newsies) organized a strike against two major newspaper publishers after a price increase for papers cut into their earnings. The strike disrupted newspaper distribution across the city and became a highly visible example of child labor organizing at the turn of the 20th century. Follow Hashtag History on Instagram @hashtaghistory_podcast for all of the pictures mentioned in this episode. Citations for all sources can be located on our website at www.HashtagHistory-Pod.com. You can also check out our website for super cute merch! You can now sponsor a cocktail and get a shout-out on air! Just head to www.buymeacoffee.com/hashtaghistory or head to the Support tab on our website! You can locate us on www.Patreon.com/hashtaghistory where you can donate $1 a month to our Books and Booze Supply. All of your support goes a long ways and we are endlessly grateful! To show our gratitude, all Patreon Supporters receive an automatic 15% OFF all merchandise in our merchandise store, a shoutout on social…

People in this episode

Hosts: Rachel, Leah

Topics covered

  • Newsboys Strike
  • child labor
  • New York City
  • newspaper distribution
  • labor organizing
  • history

Keywords

  • Newsboys Strike
  • 1899
  • child labor
  • New York City
  • newspapers
  • labor movement
  • history

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Hashtag History Podcast, Patreon, buymeacoffee.com, HashtagHistory-Pod.com

Places: New York City

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