If you're seeing this message, it means we're having trouble loading external resources on our website. Show If you're behind a web filter, please make sure that the domains *.kastatic.org and *.kasandbox.org are unblocked. If you're seeing this message, it means we're having trouble loading external resources on our website. If you're behind a web filter, please make sure that the domains *.kastatic.org and *.kasandbox.org are unblocked. Labor UnionsHistory >> Industrial RevolutionLabor unions are large groups of workers, usually in a similar trade or profession, that join together to protect the workers' rights. The Industrial Revolution was a time when national labor unions began to form in the United States. Why did labor unions first form? During the Industrial Revolution, the working conditions in factories, mills, and mines were terrible. Unlike today, the government took little interest in creating safety standards or in regulating how businesses treated workers. The typical industrial employee worked long hours under dangerous conditions for little pay. Many workers were poor immigrants who had little choice but to keep working despite the conditions. If an employee complained, they were fired and replaced. At some point, workers began to revolt. They joined together and created unions in order to fight for safer conditions, better hours, and increased wages. It was easy for factory owners to replace one employee who complained, but much more difficult to replace all their employees if they went on strike together. What did they do to make things better? The unions organized strikes and negotiated with employers for better working conditions and pay. During the Industrial Revolution this wasn't always a peaceful process. When employers tried to replace striking workers, the workers sometimes fought back. In some cases, things became so violent that the government had to step in and restore order. The First Unions  The Great Railroad Strike of 1877 Source: Harper's Weekly In the early part of the Industrial Revolution most of the unions were smaller and local to a town or a state. After the Civil War, national unions began to form. One of the first national unions was the Knights of Labor in the 1880s. It grew rapidly, but just as quickly collapsed. The next major union to form was the American Federation of Labor (sometimes called the AFL). The AFL was founded in 1886 by Samuel Gompers. It became a powerful force in fighting for workers' rights through strikes and through politics. Major Strikes There were several major strikes that took place during the Industrial Revolution. One of them was the Great Railroad Strike of 1877. It began in Martinsburg, West Virginia after the B&O Railroad company cut wages for the third time in a year. The strike quickly spread throughout the country. When strikers tried to stop the trains from running, federal troops were sent in to put down the strike. Things turned violent and several strikers were killed. The strike ended 45 days after it started. Although the wages weren't restored, workers began to see the power they had through the strike. Other famous strikes included the Homestead Steel Mill Strike of 1892 and the Pullman Strike of 1894. Many of these strikes ended in violence and the destruction of property, but eventually they began to have an impact on the workplace and conditions gradually improved. Labor Unions Today Throughout the 1900s, labor unions became a powerful force in the economy and politics. Today, labor unions aren't as strong as they once were, however, they still play an important role in many industries. Some of the largest unions today include the National Education Association (teachers), the Service Employees International Union, and the Teamsters. Interesting Facts about Labor Unions during the Industrial Revolution
More on the Industrial Revolution: Works Cited History >> Industrial Revolution What began to develop during the Gilded Age to fight for workers rights?Labor unions arose in the nineteenth century as increasing numbers of Americans took jobs in factories, mines, and mills in the growing industrial economy.
How were workers treated during the Gilded Age?Compared to today, workers were extremely vulnerable during the Gilded Age. As workers moved away from farm work to factories, mines and other hard labor, they faced harsh working conditions such as long hours, low pay and health risks. Children and women worked in factories and generally received lower pay than men.
What was the labor movement during the Gilded Age?The Gilded Age's two most important movements were the Knights of Labor and the American Federation of Labor (AFL). The Noble and Holy Order of the Knights of Labor was founded in 1869 by Philadelphia garment cutters.
Were labor unions were successful during the Gilded Age?Labor unions had mixed success during the Gilded Age of American history. During this era many unions conducted strikes to demand better working conditions, and many of these strikes turned violent.
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How did laborers try to fight for workers rights during the gilded age?
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