Labor Unions & Big Business

Identify each of the following events or people. Give an explanation or description of the item. Answer the questions who, what, where, and when.


Explain the historical significance of each item in the space provided. Establish the historical context in which the item exists. Establish the item as the result of or as the cause of other factors existing in the society under study. Answer this question: What were the political, social, economic, and/or cultural consequences of this item?


I hope these went through this time


the Knights of Labor


a.Identification- it was the only broad based labor system to survive the depression, which was led by Terence V. Powderly in 1860 when all the members of other companies were quiting they were fine.


b. Significance
- this was one of the few places that allowed everyone to work, wether they were african american, women, skilled or unskilled. Some of the concenquences were the founders believed they could have all the union labors cooperatite so it would be easier to trade and everyone would be happy. unfortunaly people didnt want this.
the Haymarket riot

a. Identification- was in 1886, one of the most violent riots of the time. While protesting in haymarket square market about poliece brulity the poliece came and attacked protesters, but a bomb went off and killed some people and wounded over 60.



b. Significance- the significance of this is that workers would go to this means to try and get their point by which could become very problematic. also made people fear radicalism.

the American Federation of Labor


a. Identification- a alliance of national craft unions. unlike the knights the Afl tried to work out the whoole wage and hours situation with the workers. they avoided party policies



b. Significance- Set backs in the 1890's, the steel and iron plants went on stike because they didnt want the wage cuts. the iron plant was closed, but the steel plant had to have guards sent in, 5 months later the strikers gave in.

Samuel Gompers


a. Identification- Sam Gompers was the head of the cigar markers international union, and later the president of the AFL. as the president he baragined collectivly, and negotieated between wages hours anf working conditions.

b. Significance- he used strikes in the Afl as a big tactic. Strikes = higher wages and shorter work weeks within his compay.

the Homestead strike


a. Identification-


b. Significance-

the Pullman strike



a. Identification- Durning the depression the Pullman Company laid off about 3000/5800 workers, it also decided to cut wages about 1/4th and not lower the cost of the homes they were allowing the labores to rent out. In 1864 a strike poped upbecause the Pullman Company refused to lower housing costs or up the wages. So because the Pullman Co wouldnt negioate with the strikers the Aru started boycotting Pullman trains.

b. Significance- The Aru started boycotting Pullman trains. And becasue Pullman hired back strike breaker the strike got violent so violent that President Cleveland had to send in federal troops.


Eugene V. Debs


a. Identification- He tried to form a union that could include every type of worker (skilled or unskilled). When he made this industrie he called it the American Railway Union. He late turned to socialism, with many other heads of companies.


b. Significance -The new union went on strike for higher wages, the industrie never recovered from this it was added movement to the Union Organizing.

the Industrial Workers of the World


a. Identification- It was a labor organization for unskilled labors, it was formed by socialists and radical unionists in 1905. William Haywood was the head of this company. It consisted of miners, lumberers, dock workers, and cannery workers. They were one of the few companies to allow african americans to work.


b. Significance- Only had one majory strike this is because "They gave dignity and a sense of solidarity to the unskilled workers". Most companies didn't do this which sets them apart.