The Labor Movement

    The labor movement represented one of the key periods of change in American history. The labor movement developed in the late 19th and 20th centuries when working people began to unite against poor working conditions, long working hours, and low wages (Crash Course U.S. History #24: "The Industrial Economy," 2013). As the economy and industrialization rapidly expanded, the gaps between rich business owners, and the working class expanded. Factory workers, miners, and railroad workers experienced harsh working conditions, unsafe machinery, and had very few rights on the job, leading to calls for change across the nation. 

    One of the most important leaders during this time period was William Z. Foster, a leader and organizer of the American labor movement. Foster helped organize major strikes such as the 1919 steel strike, and he played an important role in uniting workers across trades and industries. His work emphasized collective bargaining and labor solidarity as key means by which working people could confront corporate power and demand fair treatment for all workers (Crash Course U.S. History #25: "The Gilded Age," 2013).

Reflection Questions

1. What do you think was the biggest root of the labor movement, poor working conditions, low pay, or some other factor? 

2. How did the labor movement transform what freedom meant in America?

3. What lessons can we learn from this movement today?

References

Muller, J. (2013). “The Industrial Economy,” Crash Course U.S. History #24

Muller, J. (2013). “The Gilded Age,” Crash Course U.S. History #25.