The protest group known as Coxeys Army was formed in response to which of the following events
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This illustration from Harper's Weekly magazine shows "General Coxey" approaching the Capitol. Harper's Weekly was well known for its illustrations; photographs were still uncommon in print in the 1890s. Newseum Collection Should the government limit protesters' access to the U.S. Capitol, where their elected representatives conduct business?In 1894, the United States is facing a serious economic depression with 18 percent unemployment and businesses failing. President Grover Cleveland remains firm in his belief that the government should not fund social or economic aid programs. Jacob Coxey, a wealthy Ohio businessman, disagrees and wants the government to fund projects such as road building to hire the unemployed. He announces a plan for his followers, whom he calls the "Industrial Army," to march to Washington to deliver their proposals directly to Congress. About 500 men eventually arrive in the District of Columbia – far fewer than the 100,000 Coxey had predicted. The group, which becomes known as Coxey’s Army, marches to the U.S. Capitol, where Coxey attempts to deliver a speech from the steps. Before he can finish, police remove him and his followers. Police cite an 1882 law that bans giving speeches or carrying signs on the Capitol grounds in order to preserve the “quiet and dignity of the Capitol of the United States.” Coxey is arrested, and the nation debates the tactics of Coxey’s Army. Some congressmen and newspaper editorials express gratitude that the peace and order at the Capitol has been preserved. Others rush to defend Coxey’s actions as a valid form of petitioning the government. Take the role of a historical figure below and find evidence to argue your case.
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