Review Concepts: Chp 19-21 Unions

Great Strike of 1877

• One of the first nationwide strikes in the United States involving railroad workers protesting wage cuts and unsafe working conditions which led to violent clashes with state militia.

Knights of Labor

• Founded in 1869, it became one of the most influential labor organizations of its time, advocating for the eight-hour workday, equal pay for equal work, and an end to child labor.

Haymarket Affair (1886)

• A labor rally in Chicago that turned violent when a bomb was thrown, resulting in deaths and a crackdown on labor organizations; significant as it led to anti-labor sentiments and legal challenges for unions.

Gompers & AFL

• Samuel Gompers founded the American Federation of Labor (AFL) in 1886, focusing on skilled labor and advocating for collective bargaining, shorter workdays, and better working conditions.

Homestead Strike (1892)

• A pivotal strike at Andrew Carnegie’s steel plant where workers protested wage cuts, leading to violent confrontations and ultimately, the intervention of private security.

Haywood & IWW

• Big Bill Haywood was a prominent leader of the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW), advocating for the rights of all workers and aiming to unite them across industries.

Pullman Strike (1894)

• A nationwide railroad strike that began in Pullman, Illinois, protesting wage cuts and high rents; it escalated to a federal intervention, setting a precedent for government involvement in labor disputes.

Eugene Debs

• A key figure in American socialism and labor movement; co-founded the IWW and was a five-time presidential candidate.

Big Issues Surrounding Discontent

• Major themes included the conflict between big business and workers, calls for monetary reform (bi-metalism), railroad regulations, and the rise of farmers’ alliances like the Grange.

Rise of Feminism

• Notable female reformers included:

  • Charlotte Perkins Gilman: Advocated for women's economic independence and wrote "The Yellow Wallpaper."

  • Emma Goldman: An anarchist political activist known for her speeches on social issues and women's rights.

  • Margaret Sanger: A pioneer in birth control access and women's reproductive rights.

  • Ida B. Wells: An African American journalist and activist who led anti-lynching campaigns and fought for civil rights.

Muckrakers & Social Activism

• Journalists like Jacob Riis and Upton Sinclair highlighted social issues, leading to the Progressive Movement aimed at reforming societal ills.

Political and Municipal Reform

• Concepts of political reform included the idea of separate spheres for men and women, with increasing advocacy for women’s suffrage and reform of corrupt political practices.

Key Strikes & Authors

• Important literary works that influenced public opinion included:

  • Jacob Riis: "How the Other Half Lives" exposed urban poverty.

  • Upton Sinclair: "The Jungle" revealed the horrors of the meatpacking industry.

  • Edward Bellamy: "Looking Backward" envisioned a utopian future influenced by socialism.

  • Thorstein Veblen: Critiqued the affluent society in "The Theory of the Leisure Class."

Policies of William McKinley, TR & Taft

• The era saw varying approaches towards labor and economic policies:

  • The Square Deal (TR): Emphasized fairness for workers, consumers, and businesses.

  • New Nationalism (TR): Advocated for social justice and expanded government intervention.

  • Taft’s Dollar Diplomacy: Encouraged investment in foreign markets to promote US interests.

Government Reform Acts

• Significant acts included:

  • Direct primary, which allowed voters to directly choose nominees.

  • The 17th Amendment established the direct election of senators.

Immigration and America’s Empire

• Examined the impact of immigration on the labor market and the development of the American Empire during this period.

Yellow Journalism

• A term used to describe sensationalist journalism that influenced public opinions and political actions.

Key Terms & Figures

• Grange, Sherman Anti-Trust Act, Great Railroad Strike of 1877, American Federation of Labor, Eugene Debs, William Jennings Bryan and more are critical for understanding this period's labor and social reforms.

Major Legislation

• Pure Food and Drug Act and Meat Inspection Act: Established regulations to protect consumers after exposing unsafe practices in the food industry.

• Triangle Shirtwaist Fire: Highlighted the need for improved working conditions and safety regulations in factories.