The American Railway Union (ARU) was founded in 1893 by Eugene V. Debs to unite all railway workers in the United States. It aimed to improve working conditions, wages, and job security for its members. The union quickly grew in size, becoming one of the largest labor organizations of its time. The ARU is best known for its role in the Pullman Strike of 1894, which began when workers at the Pullman Company protested wage cuts and high rents in company-owned housing. The strike escalated, leading to nationwide disruptions in rail traffic and a significant response from the federal government, including the deployment of troops.