Growth of Labor Unions and the Labor Movement by SARAH ROEDER (Student)

The working class

roedesar000 — 2025-06-20 01:18:59 UTC

During the late 1800s and early 1900s, the working class was made up mostly of poor immigrants, women, and children who worked in factories, mines, and mills. These jobs were often dangerous, with long hours and very low pay. Most workers lived in crowded cities and had little protection or support. As industrialization grew, so did frustration over unfair treatment, which led to protests, strikes, and the rise of labor unions.

The New Consumer Culture

roedesar000 — 2025-06-20 01:19:41 UTC

In the early 1900s, a new consumer culture emerged in America. Mass production and advertising made more goods available and affordable. Department stores and mail-order catalogs like Sears made it easy for people to shop even in rural areas. While middle class families enjoyed the benefits, many working class people went into debt trying to keep up.

Panic of 1873

roedesar000 — 2025-06-20 01:20:18 UTC

The Panic of 1873 was a major financial crisis caused by risky railroad investments and bank failures. It led to a severe depression, with many businesses closing and millions losing their jobs. Workers faced pay cuts and layoffs which sparked strikes and increased anger toward employers and the government.

Scientific Management

roedesar000 — 2025-06-20 01:20:46 UTC

Scientific management, also known as Taylorism, was developed by Frederick Winslow Taylor in the late 1800s. It aimed to make factories more efficient by timing tasks and controlling how workers did their jobs. While it increased productivity, it also made work more boring and repetitive. Workers lost control over their work and felt like machines, which led to frustration and more support for unions demanding better conditions.

Knights of Labor

roedesar000 — 2025-06-20 01:21:16 UTC

The Knights of Labor was one of the first major labor unions in the US, founded in 1869 by Uriah Stephens and later led by Terence Powderly. The group welcomed all types of workers—men, women, skilled, and unskilled. They fought for things like an 8hour workday and an end to child labor. The group grew quickly but lost power after the violent Haymarket Riot. Still they helped bring attention to workers’ rights.

American Federation of Labor

roedesar000 — 2025-06-20 01:23:26 UTC

The American Federation of Labor was formed in 1886 by Samuel Gompers. Unlike the Knights of Labor, the AFL focused on skilled workers and aimed for practical goals like higher wages, shorter hours, and safer conditions. The AFL avoided politics and strikes unless necessary. It became one of the most powerful labor unions in America and helped shape the modern labor movement.

History of Labor Unions , Video

roedesar000 — 2025-06-20 01:33:19 UTC

An overview of the labor movement and its impact on workers’ rights in the U.S