topic 6.7 - labor in the gilded age

“iron law of wages”

A theory proposed by economist David Ricardo, it suggests that any increase in wages will be offset by an increase in population, ultimately leading to no long-term benefit for workers.

Great Railroad Strike of 1877

cause-during an economic depression, railroads cut wages to reduce costs

-used federal troops to end strike

-strike spread across 11 states, 500,000 workers participating

-very violent, 100 people killed

effect-some employers improved wages and improved working conditions

Knights of Labor

-union for all workers, including AA and women

advocated;

-abolishing child labor/trusts and monopolies

-no strikes

-”make each man his own employer”

730,000 members but it declined after Haymarket bombing

Haymarket Bombing (1886)

A labor protest turned violent when a bomb was thrown at police during a rally in Chicago, killing 7 officers, leading to deaths and widespread backlash against labor movements.

American Federation of Labor by Samuel Gompers

-25 craft unions of skilled workers

-focused on higher wages and increased pay through collective bargaining

Homestead Strike 1892

labor dispute between steelworkers and the Carnegie Steel Company that turned violent when wages were cut by 20%, resulting in deaths and a temporary defeat for the union. This event highlighted the struggles between labor and management during the Gilded Age.

Pullman Strike

-a major nationwide railroad strike and boycott, started by workers at the Pullman Palace Car Company in Chicago after wage cuts during an economic depression

-President Cleveland sent federal troops to end the strike, viewing it as obstructing mail delivery, leading to clashes and arrests.