13185_8231_twenties_history22
1932
Footage from the Ford Hunger Strike of 1932. Panic breaks out near the train tracks of Dearborn, Michigan. Police throw tear gas and beat several protesters. The march was led by members of the Communist party. Four protesters were beaten to death by police officers. Within the commotion and clouds of gas, the cameraman documenting the event has trouble keeping a steady hand. The following scene is of the four dead protesters laying in their coffins. Flowers are brought to the funeral and people hold American flags. A banner on their coffins reads, "Labor does not forget". Due to the casualties and excessive violence, the Ford Hunger Strike is also remembered as the Ford Massacre. Footage of protests and marches in the street is shown. They wave at the camera and cheer as they march through the streets. Back at the factory, workers continue to build auto parts, and Henry Ford meets with a consultant.