Newsies is based on the 1992 Disney movie, which in turn is based on an actual historical event. In the 1890s, newspaper sellers had to buy papers from the publisher each day, and the newsies made their money back by up-selling them. In 1898, the Spanish-American War broke out, so more people bought papers to follow the latest updates. Multiple publishers decided to increase their charge. Once the war was over, most publishers lowered their price back, however Pulitzer and Hearst did not. So, the World’s and Journal’s Newspaper newsies went on strike!