Expansion of American Industry The Great Strikes

Socialism Began in 1830’s in Europe Later developed by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels Economic & Political philosophy that favors social (public) control of income and property

American Socialism As the gulf between the rich and poor widened, people turned to Socialism Most Americans rejected socialism and chose to join the unions.

Early Labor Unions The Knights of Labor – Wanted equal pay, 8 hour workday, an end to child labor – Used strikes that led to violence The American Federation of Labor – Wanted shorter hours, better wages and conditions – African Americans, women and children not welcome because they drove wages down – Used strikes, boycotts, collective bargaining

Employer’s Reaction to Unions  Employers preferred to deal with the individual rather than a group  Tried to stop unions and:  -Forbade union meetings  -Fired union organizers  -Refused to collectively bargain  -Refused to recognize union representatives

Strikes, Boycotts and Violence eventually led to changes in favor of employees

The Railroad Strike of 1877  Began in July when the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad companies announced wage cuts.  Companies also began using ‘double headers’.  Workers began rioting in Pittsburgh, Chicago, St. Louis and other cities.  President Hayes sent in the military to quell the riot.  From then on, employers relied on federal assistance to break strikes and cease unrest.

Haymarket Strike 1886  On May 1, 1886 riots erupted demanding an 8 hour workday.  On May 3, Police broke up a fight between scabs and strikers.  On May 4, strikers held a protest rally.  Someone threw a bomb at the police, killing 7.  Gunfire between police and strikers commenced, killing dozens more.  8 anarchists were tried for murder.

Homestead Strike 1892  In the summer of 1892, Henry Frick (Carnegie’s partner) tried to cut wages.  The union in Homestead, PA went on strike.  Frick called in 300 Pinkertons to squash the strikers.  Gunfight erupted killing several on both sides.  The assassination attempt on Frick soured the public view of unions and strikers.  The strike ended in November 1892.

Pullman Strike 1894  In May 1894, George Pullman cut wages after the panic of  By June 1894, 120,000 railway workers were on strike.  The strike affected mail delivery so the government became involved.  Attorney General Richard Olney obtained a court order forcing the strike to end.  Strike represents a shift in federal involvement in strikes.

Early Labor Unions  Early unions were called trade unions because members all performed the same specific trade.  Federal Society of Journeymen Cordwainers (1794)  Philadelphians in 1827 took the labor movement to the next level.  Several craftspeople joined to form one citywide union.  Unions virtually disappear during Civil War but reemerged on the national level.

The Knights of Labor  Formed in Philadelphia in  Its goal was to organize skilled and unskilled workers.  Desired reforms such as equal pay for equal work, 8- hour workday, and an end to child labor.  Knights resorted to the strike tactic. Some were successful but violence weakened membership.

The American Federation of Labor  Formed in 1886 by Samuel Gompers.  Organization based on the skilled worker. The union was then divided into smaller trade specific unions.  Reforms focused on shorter hours, better wages and conditions.  African Americans, women and children were not welcome because they drove wages down.  Union used strikes, boycotts, collective bargaining and closed shops.