The Labor Movement and Key Historical Figures

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to the labor movement and significant historical figures discussed in the lecture.

Labor Movement

A set of campaigns by workers to improve conditions and wages through collective action.

Jacob Riis

A Danish-American journalist and social reformer known for his photographs of poor living conditions in NYC.

Gilded Age

A period in the late 19th century marked by rapid economic growth and stark social inequality.

Social Reform

Efforts to improve society by addressing issues such as poverty and inequality.

Knights of Labor

A significant labor organization in the late 19th century advocating for workers' rights and social justice.

Uriah Stephens

Founder of the Knights of Labor in 1869, advocating for labor reform.

Minimum Wage Laws

Legislation establishing the lowest allowable wage that workers can be paid.

Social Darwinism

A theory applying the idea of 'survival of the fittest' to social, political, and economic issues.

William Sumner

A sociologist known for his defense of Social Darwinism and free market principles.

Economic Inequality

The disparity in income and wealth among various individuals and groups within a society.

Andrew Carnegie

A steel magnate and philanthropist who wrote 'The Gospel of Wealth,' promoting responsible wealth distribution.

Philanthropy

The desire to promote the welfare of others, often through the donation of money to good causes.

Industrial Workers of the World (IWW)

An international labor union founded in 1905 promoting worker solidarity and anti-capitalism.

Nationalist Clubs

Groups formed to discuss and promote the ideas of nationalism and social reform.

Labor Unrest

Conflict and discontent among workers regarding working conditions and employment practices.

Election of 1900

A pivotal election influenced by concerns over economic inequality and labor issues.

Great Strike of 1877

A major nationwide labor strike protesting wage cuts and poor working conditions.

Robert Schilling

A key figure in labor movements, contributing to the collective labor rights framework.

Economic Equality

A state in which wealth is distributed more evenly among all members of society.

Labor Unity

The solidarity among workers across different professions advocating for shared goals.

Criticism of Capitalism

Arguments against capitalism, suggesting it leads to inequality and social injustice.

Historical Context of Photos

The late 19th-century backdrop of immigration and poverty that informed Jacob Riis's work.

Industrial Revolution

The transition to new manufacturing processes in Europe and the United States from the late 18th to the 19th century.

Health Risks in Employment

Working conditions that pose potential dangers to workers' health and safety.

Children's Labor

The practice of employing children in industries, often under poor conditions and for low wages.

Progressive Era Reforms

A series of political and social reforms in the early 20th century aimed at rectifying the excesses of industrialization.

Liberalism

A political philosophy advocating for individual liberty and equal opportunity.

Worker Discontent

Frustration and dissatisfaction among workers regarding pay and working conditions.

Railroad Nepotism

The unethical or illegal practices within the railroad industry favoring certain individuals or companies.

Independent Oil Refiner

A company or individual refining oil outside the control of major corporations.

Economic Weakness of the Panic of 1907

The financial crisis which revealed vulnerabilities in the economy and prompted labor organization.

Blueprint for Modern Philanthropy

A guiding framework for how wealthy individuals can contribute to societal welfare.