On Labor Day in 1934, at least 400,000 textile workers from Georgia to Massachusetts walk off the job, protesting inhumane treatment, low wages, long hours, and child labor. "Flying squadrons" of strikers race by truck from mill to mill, spreading news and calling on workers.

In many locales, they are met with violence from militia organized by mill owners. At least 18 workers are killed. In Rhode Island, picketers armed with flowerpots and broken headstones face off with the National Guard.

The mayor of Honea Path, South Carolina — also a mill operator — deputizes and arms 100 guards. They mount a machine gun to the mill's roof. Seven strikers are shot dead, most in the back as they flee.

The national strike collapses by September 23. Workers return with no gains. Many are blacklisted.