What: Worked long hours in tough, unsafe jobs with low pay

Where: Industrial cities like Chicago, New York, Pittsburgh

When: Late 1800s to early 1900s

Why: Industrial capitalism created high demand for cheap labor

How: Harsh conditions sparked labor organizing and activism

Impact: Led to union formation and labor reforms

What: Rise of department stores, advertising, and mass-produced goods

Where: Cities across the U.S.

When: 1870s–1920s

Why: Economic growth and technological advances boosted consumption

How: Mass production and media advertising encouraged consumerism

Impact: Increased demand for goods, but also created wealth gaps

What: Financial crisis leading to a severe economic depression

Where: U.S. and globally

When: Began in 1873

Why: Over-speculation in railroads and bad bank loans

How: Bank failures led to unemployment and economic hardship

Impact: Sparked labor strikes and calls for reforms

What: System to improve efficiency by breaking jobs into simple tasks

Where: Factories, especially in industrial cities

When: Early 1900s

Why: To increase productivity and profits

How: Time-motion studies and strict oversight of workers

Impact: Raised output but caused worker dissatisfaction

What: Early labor union pushing for workers’ rights

Where: Across the U.S.

When: Founded 1869, peak in the 1880s

Why: Wanted better working hours, pay, and conditions

How: Organized strikes and boycotts

Impact: Declined after the Haymarket Riot but inspired later unions

What: Labor union focused on practical goals like wages and hours

Where: Industrial cities nationwide

When: Founded 1886

Why: Wanted realistic improvements through negotiation

How: Collective bargaining and strikes

Impact: Became powerful and long-lasting labor organization