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Labor Unions
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Knights of Labor
One of the earliest and most influential labor organizations, the Knights of Labor is founded by Philadelphia tailors. -
The Great Railroad Strike
The first nationwide strike stops trains across the country. About 100,000 railroad workers are involved. Federal troops are called out to break the strike. -
The Haymarket Affair
During a labor demonstration in Chicago, a bomb explodes and rioting ensues. Anarchists are singled out and convicted of inciting violence during the Haymarket Square Affair. -
American Federation of Labor
Samuel Gompers founds the American Federation of Labor. -
The Homestead Strike
Violence ends the Homestead steel strike in Homestead, Pennsylvania. -
The Pullman Strike
The Pullman strike, involving 50,000 rail workers, ends in rioting and violence. -
Forming of Industrial Workers of the World
The Industrial Workers of the World (IWW), a radical union, is formed with the aim of overthrowing capitalism and replacing it with a socialist system. -
Department of Labor
The U.S. government establishes the Department of Labor to protect the rights of workers. -
The Clayton Antitrust Act
The Clayton Antitrust Act legalizes nonviolent strikes and boycotts. -
The Wagner Act
The Wagner Act (also called the National Labor Relations Act) affirms the right of workers to unionize and requires employers to participate in collective bargaining. -
The Fair Labor Standards Act
The Fair Labor Standards Act establishes the minimum wage.
