Unions and Industrialists

What are unions?

Organizations of workers in an industry that advocate for better pay and working conditions.

What were the first unions primarily composed of?

Trade unions, which were organizations of skilled workers like carpenters and blacksmiths.

What led to the formation of industrial unions?

The continuation of industrialization and the response to terrible working conditions.

What was the most powerful tool used by unions to demand change?

The strike, where workers refused to work until their demands were met.

How did businesses typically respond to unions?

They viewed unions as conspiracies violating property rights and employed anti-union strategies like lockouts and hiring replacements.

What was the first large-scale union in the United States?

The National Labor Union (NLU), formed in 1866.

What significant achievement did the NLU accomplish?

Convinced Congress to establish an 8-hour workday for all government employees.

What was the Knights of Labor's approach to labor disputes?

They preferred arbitration and boycotts over strikes and advocated for an 8-hour workday.

What was the main belief of the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW)?

That all workers should unite into one massive union and that workers and business owners were enemies.

What were the three main goals of the American Federation of Labor (AFL)?

To get companies to recognize unions, push for closed shops, and advocate for an 8-hour workday.

What was the Great Railroad Strike of 1877 a response to?

Wage cuts, leading to a nationwide shutdown of railroads.

What was the outcome of the Haymarket Riot?

A riot erupted after a bomb was thrown during a protest, leading to a loss of influence for the Knights of Labor.

What was the Homestead Strike?

A strike at Carnegie Steel where the manager hired Pinkerton agents to break the strike, resulting in violence.

What triggered the Pullman Strike?

Pullman lowered wages without reducing rents and prices in the company town.

Who were the two prominent industrialists mentioned?

Andrew Carnegie and John D. Rockefeller.

What industry did John D. Rockefeller found?

Standard Oil, which became a dominant force in the oil industry.

What was Andrew Carnegie's major business?

U.S. Steel, which he founded after immigrating to the U.S.

What is Social Darwinism?

The application of the Theory of Evolution to society, suggesting that only the 'strongest' corporations should survive.

What philanthropic contributions did Rockefeller make?

He donated to Baptist churches, founded the University of Chicago, and Spellman College.

What philanthropic efforts did Carnegie undertake?

He founded Carnegie-Mellon University, constructed Carnegie Hall, built libraries, and established various philanthropic organizations.

What is the debate surrounding Rockefeller and Carnegie's legacy?

Whether they are seen as robber barons abusing the poor or philanthropists using their wealth to improve society.