The Progressive Era, Immigration, Unions, and the Labor Movement by Clara Crane

The Working Class

97396 — 2025-06-25 01:43:01 UTC

The working class was forced to work long hours with low wages, and it often included children. The families of this class lived in unsanitary and extremely places of the cities. The workers often had to do difficult and dangerous work including dangerous machines and exposure to harsh chemicals.

The New Consumer Culture

97396 — 2025-06-25 01:45:19 UTC

There was an increase in industrialization, mass production of goods, and goods were available at lower prices. As industrialization during this era increased, the mass production also increased because the technology and methods to making and producing products was becoming better and better. As the machines improved, the goods were available at lower prices because companies could sell more goods at a time and reduce the cost.

Panic of 1873

97396 — 2025-06-25 01:45:27 UTC

The Panic of 1873 occurred due to over-investment in railroad construction, the collapse of Jay Cooke & Company, and financial instability in Europe. Banking firms, such as Jay Cooke & Company, put big investments into railroad construction, but this led to large amounts of debt for those companies. Also, since Europe was financially unstable during this time, it affected the United States. It affected the U.S. because european investors sold their assets, and this caused the U.S. to suffer along with Europe.

Scientific Management

97396 — 2025-06-25 01:45:38 UTC

Scientific management was an approach to improving efficiency in various industries. This system used scientific method approaches and analyzed the processes that industries used, as well as the government. The division of labor was also emphasized as it would help industries work the most effectively.

Knights of Labor

97396 — 2025-06-25 01:45:46 UTC

The Knights of Labor were a labor union who advocated for reforms in the work force. They wanted eight hour work days, children to stop working, and the same pay for women and men. They allowed many people to join their union including women, immigrants, and African Americans, unlike other unions.

American Federation of Labor

97396 — 2025-06-25 01:45:55 UTC

The American Federation of Labor (AFL) was a labor organization that focused on higher pay, shorter working hours, and improved working conditions. It was partially created because people were disappointed with the Knights of Labor. The AFL was focused on skilled workers, while the Knights of Labor focused on a wider range of workers.