"Anyone game 19th century labor "unrest"?" Topic

Been interested for a long time in the early years of labor's struggle for recognition and organization in the USA. Equally interested in the gaming potential of the conflicts in late 19th century USA between labor and the powers arrayed against them (Pinkertons, Militia & Regulars, Police and "scabs").

Think "Great" Railroad strike of 1877, Pullman strike of the 1890s, Brooklyn Trolley strike of 1895 (some National Guard units in NYS today have a battle streamer attached to their flagpoles indicating service during the latter conflict).

Haymarket "riot" and other political confrontations also in the mix.

To this end, I'm beginning to piece together some ideas for 25/28 figures already suitable/available for the above, and am in the design stage for a board which will include a typical urban street scene of a late 19th century US city. Hoping to use "O" gauge model railroad building fronts with perhaps a generic non-operating streetcar or two for "flavor".

Question is, what rules would you good folks suggest for a smaller late 19th century conflict like this? If not any one particular set of rules, which ones would you recommend "cobbling" together? May have to throw a few ideas together myself, but was hoping the "collective" here could point me in the right direction.

Thanks!

Chaz

For rules, Force on Force looks like it would fit the bill. It already has the mechanics for asymmetrical warfare between regular forces and 'irregulars' as well as rules modeling the present of civilian mobs on the battlefield.

"B'hoys!", by the Virtual Armchai General.
link
They are designed for 19th C street riots, based on The Gangs of New York.

The Molly Maguires were much smaller actions. Ambushes, assassinations, etc.

I might recommend "Gloire" for that.

There are some great "what ifs" for the Great Railroad Strike, especially around St. Louis. Something like TSATF would work pretty well for a full on armed conflict.

Sounds like a great game idea. I'd be interested in what minis you plan on using.

Long ago there was a great article in Miniature Wargames (I think) on the Colorado coal field war at the turn of the 20th century, and how to use Airfix WWI doughboys as National Guard and cowboys/Confederates as the miners. I was enthralled as a young lad and bought Airfix figures to paint up. Got sidetracked along the way somehow.

If you want a fantastical setting,try Jack London's "The Iron Heel". Its got a mass uprising in Chicago(complete with fighting from balloons),and partizan action. You could almost stretch it to something like VBCW,except with "Labor" vs. "Capitalist" mercenaries.

Thanks for the input! I'll look at each of your suggestions.

ComradeCommissar, I'm looking at Foundary for latter 19th century police with the "Bobby" helmet which seems to be close to what roundsmen/patrolmen wore in Chicago/New York. For earlier police and company guards, Brigade makes some good looking mid-century "Metropolitans". Pinkertons could be any number of bowler wearing western characters. Rioters/"scabs" from Foundry, Perry and Brigade (a good mix of mid-century to late-century clothing). For militia, I'm tempted to use Perry's early ACW militia with greatcoats (with some conversion work on the kepi's), at least for the enlisted men. Seems as though some if not most state militia post ACW wore *undress* uniforms with a generally civil war cut (although the blouses were more form fitting and the "bummer" cap transformed into a very low crowned version). The greatcoat would hide some of these anachronisms (I'm real shaky on heavy figure conversions!).
Regulars are again any number of civil war/indian wars troops. Last few years of the 1890's would see some changes for both militia & regulars, so if I *do* go past 1895 or so, I'll either have to hit the lotto or use a weak excuse or two to cover the differences. I'm not all that concerned about minute variations of scale between manufacturers, again the idea is to get a "flavor" of the time.

OFM, I forgot all about "B'Hoys!". I have it and have not played it! Not-so-early Alzheimer's I guess. "Molly Maguires" confrontations were indeed smaller affairs so I'll probably try to look at the small "cell" group attacks at a later time (maybe a "What if" anarchists at the 1894 Columbian Exhibition, (being masterminded by a strongly anti-imperialist, off-kilter Sam Clemens??? hmmm!)).
Anyway one thing at a time.

I'll try to get something going and keeping you good folks updated.

Thanks again!

Charlie