Based on the price level in the United States in 1919, the things one could purchase with $110 a month were extremely limited, and many people had to support an entire family, so life was quite difficult.
Seeing that many other industries had established union organizations, they followed the trend and formed a police union, establishing contact with the American Federation of Labor as well.
Boston Police Commissioner Curtis was an extremely stubborn and strict man, who adamantly opposed the existence of a police union and strictly prohibited any contact with outside organizations.
He ordered the suspension of 19 officers who had joined the union and brought charges against them.
The local police were extremely incensed by the Commissioner's tyrannical attitude and threatened to strike.
