American+Yawp+Ch+16+Capital+%26+Labor+

I. Introduction to the Great Railroad Strike of 1877

• Significance: Heralded a new era of labor conflict in the United States.

• Economic Context: Stagnation followed the 1873 financial bubble; rail lines slashed workers' wages despite government subsidies.

• Strikes Occurred: Nationwide, from Baltimore to St. Louis, effectively shutting down railroad traffic.

• State Response: Local police unable to suppress strikes; governors deployed state militias.

• Violence: Maryland militia fired upon strikers, resulting in eleven deaths.

II. Strikes and Violence Across the Nation

• Pittsburgh: Law enforcement failed to quell protests; militia killed twenty strikers.

• Chaos: Strikers destroyed property; riots ensued in cities like Reading, with militia responding violently.

• National Impact: General strikes in St. Louis sought to establish an eight-hour workday and abolish child labor.

• Federal Intervention: Soldiers suppressed protests across rail lines, leading to deaths and severe damage.

• Consequences: Nearly 100 deaths; $40 million in property destruction; a push for institutionalized labor unions.

III. The March of Capital

• Growing Labor Unrest: Paralleled industrialization; workers felt powerless in the face of large corporations.

• Industrialization Effects: Skills became less important; long hours and dangerous conditions were common.

• Management Innovations: Adoption of Taylorism (scientific management) increased efficiency and production.

• Mass Production: Use of interchangeable parts; leading companies like Ford and McCormick revolutionized manufacturing.

IV. Inequalities of Industrial Capitalism

• Economic Disparities: Wealth concentrated in hands of few, while millions suffered from low wages and poor conditions

• Wealth Statistics: By 1900, richest 10% controlled 90% of national wealth.

• Social Darwinism: Theories used to justify economic inequalities; celebrated the survival of the fittest.

V. The Rise of the Labor Movement

• Historical Context: Workers’ strikes surged post-Civil War; dissatisfaction led to the creation of unions.

• Knights of Labor: An inclusive union uniting skilled and unskilled workers, but associated with radicalism after Haymarket.

• American Federation of Labor (AFL): Advocated practical gains over expansive visions; conservative approach.

• Continued Strikes: Major strikes like the Pullman Strike saw federal intervention against labor.

• Rampant Labor Struggles: With over twenty thousand strikes between 1890 and 1900, the labor force sought rights amidst unrest.

VI. The Populist Movement

• Farmers’ Response: Frustrations over economic hardships led to organization against elite interests.

• Farmers’ Alliances: Formed to negotiate and exert economic power against railroads and banks.

• The Populist Party: Developed platform addressing grievances of the farmers; sought systemic change in governance.

• 1892 National Convention: Led to the nomination of James B. Weaver, emphasizing economic adjustments to favor producers.

VII. William Jennings Bryan and Politics of Gold

• Bryan’s Rise: A skilled orator who advocated for free silver to alleviate farmers' debts.

• 1896 Campaign: Bryan nominated after impassioned speech opposing the gold standard; garnered significant public support.

• Political Influence: Despite defeats, Bryan shaped future Democratic platforms and influenced Populist issues.

VIII. The Socialist Movement

• Socialists’ Ideology: Focused on the struggles of workers and the injustices wrought by monopolies.

• Inclusion: Attracted members across demographics, promoting a cooperative commonwealth.

• Socialist Party of America: Achieved political success but faced challenges from internal divisions and governmental oppression.

IX. Conclusion

• Duality of Economic Growth: Industrial capitalism brought enormous wealth and significant poverty.

• Societal Impact: Americans confronted a transformed economy marked by both prosperity and strife.