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'The Mechanic' Made Public
A newspaper called 'The Mechanic' was made public to anyone to read. This newspaper told about the American Labor Movement and helped to inform the public on the events in the labor groups. -
Mill Girls Protest Wage Cuts
Because of the lull in the textile industry, wage cuts were placed on the women working in the Mills. In Lowell, Massachusetts, the Mill Girls decided to protest but the Mill owners quickly fired them. Later, the girls protested on the streets and held a strike. Even though the protest did not drastically impact the mills owners, the women set a good example for working men and women. -
First Union of Working Women Established
Because of the horrible working conditions of the women's mills factories, the women began to strike. The women needed to create an organization to support their strikes, so they made the Union of Working Women. -
Commonwealth vs. Hunt
This supreme Court case happened in Massachusetts. This case was about weather or not it was legal to organize a union in the United States. The court later rules that it is legal to create and be involved in a union, unless the intent is illegal. -
Sewing Machine Invented
The sewing machine patent was created by Elias Howe in 1846. By the end of the Victorian Period, the sewing machine was, in fact, the most useful invention of the century. Within decades, over a million sewing machines were sold across the world and used in many factories. -
Showmakers Strike in Lynn, England
After being declined for asking for a standardized wage, shoemakers began to go on strike against the factories. (were now being paid as low as 50 cents a day) 20,000 shoemakers left their jobs to join the strike and 20,000 shoemakers left to be involved with the parades and meetings for the strike. This eventually grew into the largest protest in the country. -
National Labor Union founded
Led by William H. Sylvis, the National Labor Union was created; the first national labor organization in the United States at the time. This was created to make Congress establish safer labor laws and was made up of unskilled workers and farmers. -
8 Hour Workday Law Passed
In Illinois, a law was finally passed to limit the working limit to 8 hours, after the many efforts to try to prohibit 40- hour work days. This day was later known as 'May Day' because after issued to many employers, they refused to cooperate. -
Organization of the Federation of Organized Trades and Labor Unions
Created to educate the public on the working class issues, discuss labor laws and to promote the U.S Congress to act on. Supported shorter working times, child labor laws- mostly protected the worker. Although their intentions were good, the organization did not have enough money to actually change anything. -
First Labor Day Parade
Parade held to celebrate the achievements of American workers, which was followed by speeches of the working class. Today, this day is known as Labor Day.
