THE AGE OF LABOR1870-1894

The Demands of Labor

The Effects of the Machine

1. Machines eliminate old jobs, and reduce the need for higher skilled workers.

2. More women are entering the workforce because of machines.

3. Immigrants get low paying, unskilled jobs in factories.

The National Labor Union

1. Founded in 1866 2. Included Skilled and Unskilled Workers

with over 600,000 members. 3. Excluded: Women, African Americans,

and Chinese Immigrants. 4. Fights for: Higher Wages, Safe Working

Conditions, 8 Hr. Work Day, Right to Negotiate Contracts.

5. Ended during the Depression of the 1870’s.

The Knights of Labor

1. Known as the “Noble and Holy Order of the Knights of Labor.”

2. Starting in 1869, the KOL became a political group on behalf of labor in the 1880’s.

3. Leader: Terence V. Powderly 4. Goals: A. Higher Wages

B. 8 Hr. Work DayC. Safer Working ConditionsD. Favors the Chinese Exclusion Act

“Mother” Jones

MARY HARRIS JONES

Chicago Haymarket Riot

1. 5/4/1886 2. Knights of Labor

clash with Police. 3. Labor blamed for

the death of Police Officers when a bomb is thrown in to the crowd.

4. Knights collapse 5. Gov. Altgeld pardons

the Knights found guilty of the bombing.

American Federation of Labor

1. Founder: Samuel Gompers 2. Founded: 1886 3. Excludes: Unskilled Labor, Women, African

Americans, and most Immigrant Groups. 4. Goals: A. Higher Wages

B. Fewer Working Hrs. C. Safer Working Conditions D. Demand “Closed” Shops

5. The AFL DOES NOT care about : Social Reforms

How To Fight Labor

Factory Owners who did not want Labor Unions in their factories would:

1. Hiring “Scab” workers 2. Lockouts 3. “Yellow Dog” Contracts 4. “Black” Lists 5. Strike Breakers