The Shearers' Strike of 1891 was a significant labor dispute in Australia, primarily involving sheep shearers who demanded better wages and working conditions. The strike began in Queensland and quickly spread to other regions, as shearers sought to improve their rights and living standards. The conflict escalated when employers refused to negotiate, leading to violent confrontations between strikers and police. The strike highlighted the growing tensions between labor and management in the burgeoning Australian economy, ultimately contributing to the rise of the labor movement and the formation of unions like the Australian Workers' Union.