Labor Unions & Big Business

the Knights of Labor

a. Identification-Powderly was the man in charge, trade union inviting women, black, unskilled workers, and semi skilled workers, Powederly wanted to make the working man his own employee.

b. Significance-not everyone believed in what Powederly wanted so they had to give up some strikes. This leads into the Haymarket riot.



the Haymarket riot

a. Identification-many people went on strike including the Knights of Labor, the strike was over because the people fighting were unionists.A few days later another strike was between unionists and non unionists. Someone through a bomb and many were killed.

b. Significance-This led to many workers being upset.



the American Federation of Labor

a. Identification-Gompers created goals that were get shorter hours, higher wage, and the right to bargain collectivity. Strikers.

b. Significance-This brought more violence because the workers were getting angry. All of the groups have been made to strike, but they keep having to give in.



Samuel Gompers

a. Identification-led the Cigar makers international union to join with other crafts unions in 1886.

b. Significance-Led to the American Federation of labor. He was the leader, and it led to strike from the workers. His successful strikes was better then the Knights of labor because his strikes led to higher wages and lower work hours.



the Homestead strike

a. Identification-workers continued to strike, in Pennsylvania, strike ended in November.

b. Significance-the strike ended up giving in, it would take 45 years for Steelworkers to mobilize once again.



the Pullman strike

a. Identification-was when many of the workers went on strike. It was a Pullman town and everyone followed it.

b. Significance-it brought to strike, and Pullman fired many and lowed wages because of it.



Eugene V. Debs

a. Identification-tried to go on strike by refusing to handle all Pullmans cars.

b. Significance-Debs was put in jail for defying the court injunction.



the Industrial Workers of the World

a. Identification-"wobblies", led by William Haywood, accepted African Americans, but membership never topped 100,000. wanted better conditions for workers.

b. Significance- one successful strike let unskilled workers have dignity in 1912.