Lesson 5: The Labor Movement

Key Idea

During the late 19th century, the United States experienced rapid industrial growth. Millions of Americans, including new immigrants, moved to cities to work in factories. This shift meant that instead of farming or working in small shops, large numbers of people were now employed by powerful factory owners.

Working conditions in these factories were often dangerous and difficult. Laborers worked long hours, typically 10 to 12 hours a day, six days a week, for very low pay. Many workplaces, known as sweatshops, had poor ventilation, lacked safety features, and were extremely crowded. Child labor was also common, with children performing hazardous jobs for even lower wages than adults.

Key Idea

To fight back against harsh working conditions, workers began forming national unions. The Knights of Labor grew into a large, inclusive organization that welcomed women, African Americans, and unskilled laborers. It pursued broad, idealistic goals for social reform.

In contrast, the American Federation of Labor (AFL) organized skilled workers into specific trade unions. The AFL focused on practical goals, using collective bargaining to negotiate for better wages, hours, and working conditions. This pragmatic approach helped it become a powerful and lasting force.

Key Idea

As unions grew, they held public rallies to demand better working conditions. In 1886, a large rally took place in Chicago's Haymarket Square to protest police actions against striking workers.

The rally was mostly peaceful until someone threw a bomb at the police. The explosion and resulting gunfire killed several officers and civilians. This incident became known as the Haymarket Riot.

Key Idea

When negotiations failed, unions often called for strikes, where workers refused to work until their demands were met. Factory owners fought back by hiring strikebreakers to replace the striking workers. These actions frequently led to tense and sometimes violent confrontations between the two sides.

Several major labor disputes turned violent and captured national attention. Events like the Haymarket Riot and the Homestead Strike involved deadly clashes. In other cases, like the Pullman Strike, the federal government sided with business owners. It issued a court order, or injunction, to end the strike and sent in troops to enforce it.