George Pullman built his employees a sparkling company town with clean homes, parks, libraries, luxury trains, and some of the best living conditions in the country—but demanded obedience in return. When recession hit and workers rebelled against wage cuts and paternalistic control, the conflict exploded into one of the most violent labor crises in American history. Featuring Eugene V. Debs, federal troops in Chicago, luxury sleeper trains, class warfare, and a rogue alligator loose in South Chicago, this is the story of how America nearly tore itself apart over the question: can capitalism become humane without becoming authoritarian?

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