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American Industrial Revolution
There was a great increase in industry in the United States. Many more factories were built, which opened up many new job opportunities. Because of this, there was an increased need for unions because of the poor working conditions and wages they faced. -
The Great Famine
The Great Famine (commonly known as the Potato Famine) was a time of mass starvation, disease, and emigration in Ireland between 1845 and 1852. 20-25% of the population either died or emigrated. Because of all the people who came to America, labor unions were needed. -
Haymarket Square Riot
A peaceful worker's strike in Chicago was occurring until someone threw a bomb into the middle of the crowd. It turned into a riot, police started shooting and at least 8 people were killed. It started out as a peaceful demonstration by a labor union. -
The Pullman Strike
This was a nationwide strike of George Pullman's railroad workers. Pullman increased hours, cut wages, and cut jobs. Because of this his workers joined together and went on strike, and this was a turning point for US labor laws. -
World War I
In 1914, a war began between the Allies and the Central Powers. Because many workers were off fighting in the war, their jobs at home had to be taken over. This caused a need for more labor unions, for better working conditions. -
Ludlow Massacre
This massacre occured when workers in Rockefeller's town went on strike. They couldn't continue living in his town so they built a town of tents right outside the town. Tensions between the workers and guards were high, and the guards eventually started firing into their tent town and everything was burned and many people were killed. -
The Wagner Act
This bill was signed into law by President Franklin Roosevelt in 1935. It protected worker's right to form unions. It also protected worker's right to strike. -
The Fair Labor Standards Act
This was signed into law in 1938. It addresed minimum wage, overtime, and child labor laws. It established 40 hour work weeks, 25 cent minimum wage, and prohibited most child labor. -
World War II
In 1939, a war broke out between the Axis Powers and the Allies. In the time of war, more labor unions were formed. Many were off fighting in the war, so the people at home who had to work formed unions for better conditions. -
The Taft-Hartley Act
This is a law that restricts the activities and power of labor unions. It was passed despite President Truman's veto, and calling it a "dangerous intrusion of free speech." It was in the employer's favor, unlike the Wagner Act. -
New Hork Teachers Strike
This was a strike of teachers in New York City's teacher union in 1968. A change in the school board occurred that angered many and disrupted race relations in the town. Parents were angry, teachers were angry so they went on strike, and the schools were shut down for about two months.
