Looking back at History: The Battle in Seattle

It is no surprise that since the World Trade Organization was formed back in 1995, it has been the victim of heavy opposition, criticism, protests, and even riot activity. This is because the WTO promotes globalization, an international economy of free-trade that only widens the social gap between rich countries and poor countries. While big businesses expand internationally, they crush the smaller competition, ignore the interests of developing countries, destroy the environment, and sabotage the common laborer... All in the sake of making more profit. In my own words, Globalization is Capitalism's evil child...

I saw a film recently that documented the unfairness of this World Trade Organization, causing a very historical protest that has become known as the Battle of Seattle. On November 30 of 1999, the World Trade Organization decided to host their Ministerial Conference, in the city of Seattle (home to major corporations such as Nike and Starbucks). Over 40,000 demonstrators took to the streets, to speak out against globalization. The crowd consisted of labor unions, non-government organizations, student groups, anarchists, and religious-based groups. What began as a peaceful and well-coordinated protest, spiraled into a violent and dangerous riot. To this day it has been considered one of the biggest American demonstrations against globalization, as well as one of the worst riots in American history. Over 600 people were arrested along with an estimated 20 million dollars worth of damage to the city of Seattle...



However,... the protest was successful in that it swayed WTO negotiations, ended the conference early, and most importantly brought world attention to the anti-globalization movement. To this day the WTO meets to discuss new ways of promoting free trade and globalization, and is still met by heavy opposition, inspired by the heroic demonstration of Seattle...