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Industrialization

Industrialization . Unions: Chapter 14 Section 4. Working in the US. Difficult Specific, repetitive tasks Dangerous working conditions But, rise in standard of living Deflation Prices fell, increased buying power of wages. Early Unions.

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Industrialization

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  1. Industrialization Unions: Chapter 14 Section 4

  2. Working in the US • Difficult • Specific, repetitive tasks • Dangerous working conditions • But, rise in standard of living • Deflation • Prices fell, increased buying power of wages

  3. Early Unions • Two types of industrial workers– craft workers and common laborers • Craft workers had special skills • Began to form trade unions • 32 by 1873

  4. Industry Opposition • Employers forced to negotiate, but regarded unions as “illegitimate conspiracies” that interfered with property rights • Forced workers to sign contracts/ take oaths promising not to join a union • Hired detectives to find union organizers • Blacklisted union members • Locked out employees and hired replacement workers (scabs)

  5. Political and Social Opposition • No laws protecting unions or union action • Marxist philosophies– or at least assumed Marxist philosophies • Some supported anarchism (particularly in Europe) • European immigrants brought Marxist ideas • Why would Americans be wary of their ideas? • Nativism

  6. Marxism • Ideas of Karl Marx • Basic force shaping capitalist society was class struggle between workers and owners • Workers would eventually revolt, ultimately overthrowing government • Government would seize all private property and create a socialist society with evenly distributed wealth • Ultimately would lead to Communism • Ideas strongly shaped the ideas of European unions

  7. Great Railroad Strike of 1877 • Panic of 1873– severe recession, forced wages cut • July 1877– RRs announced another round of wage cuts • Triggered 1st nationwide labor protest • Martinsburg, WV– walked off job and blocked tracks • Eventually 80,000 workers in 11 states– 2/3 of nations railways • President Hayes sent troops • 100 people dead, millions in property damage

  8. Response to GRRS • Knights of Labor • 1st nationwide industrial union • Called for 8 hour workday and government bureau of labor statistics • Haymarket Riot • 1886 strike to support 8 hour workday • Anarchist group rioted in Chicago • Pullman Strike

  9. Other Unions • American Federation of Labor • Women’s Trade Union League

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