Battle of Seattle

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As covered in the documentary in class, the World Trade Organization (WTO) sparked a large backlash in public opinion. Many people had little to no knowledge on the issues, but organization leaders banded to act as a force for change. These protests were some of the first major mobilizations organized on the internet, and set a precedent for the protests of the future. These were reported online and allowed people to virtually sit in on the WTO website. 

Most notably, 10,000 protestors surrounded a center for WTO functions on November 30th. People engaged in relatively peaceful protest with the intention to halt the processes of the World Trade Organization. They would engage in sit-ins, lock themselves to metal pipes, and chain themselves together. Their efforts would prevent the opening ceremony, but not without some recoil. The police resorted to tactics like tear gas, rubber bullets, and pepper spray, leading to projectiles thrown by protestors in return. The protestors succeeded in temporarily obstructing the operation of the WTO, and prompted a state of emergency to initiate a "no protest zone." 

However behind the commotion, it is also important to see the reason behind these protests. These protests were mainly built on the harmful effects of globalization and competition with foreign workers. Many of the arguments made by protestors was that labor share in United States declines, imports are less safe, and the environment is destroyed because of lower environmental standards. Each consequences redirects the harms of production and labor to another entity, whether it be Chinese workers or the environment. 

All in all, the protests imposed millions of dollars in damages and civil right prosecutions. However, this event marked the beginning of a global justice movement and empowered people by showing that victory against global capital was possible. 

Works Cited

https://www.seattlepi.com/local/seattle-history/article/WTO-Riots-Battle-Seattle-1999-anniversary-13431709.php

https://www.britannica.com/event/Seattle-WTO-protests-of-1999

https://beautifultrouble.org/case/battle-in-seattle/

https://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2014/01/the-dark-side-of-globalization-why-seattles-1999-protesters-were-right/282831/

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