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(Exact date unknown) The first national labor union in the United States. It paved the way for other organizations.
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Uriah Stephens formed the Knight of Labor in Philadelphia. Initially a secret society, the Knights were able to organize workers around the country under a radar of management.
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A strike against the Baltimore & Ohio railroad ignites a series of strikes across the northeast. The strike lost but it provided evidence of a conflict between business owners and their workers.
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A labor rally at the Haymarket Square in Chicago. It was for an eight hour day then a bomb was thrown, damaging labors image and the issues broke out in the movement.
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Samuel Gompers founded the AFL. A collection of groups that played a major role in the labor movement.
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Congress passes the Sherman Anti-Trust Act. Created to prevent monopolies, and was used against unions by employers.
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A strike turned vioelent at a steel mill between Pinkerton Detectives and union workers. The company hired the detectives and they were greeted with violence and a battle broke out.
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First injuction against labor was issued. This was a powerful weapon for employers.
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Union workers wal out of a factory of Pullman Company. This strike, organized by Eugene V. Debs, ended in defeat.
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This is one of the most radical of labor groups, only achieving very limited success. Though they inspired many activists with their militant spirit.
