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The Thirteenth Amendment
The 13th Amendment ended slavery and was proposed by Abraham Lincoln. However, it would only be allowed as a form of punishment. -
The 1st Labor Day
The first Labor Day was celebrated in New York on September 5, 1882. After a year, it was established that Labor Day would be celebrated every first Monday of September. Celebrating Labor Day celebrated all the progress workers had made over the years and guaranteed more would be made. -
Haymarket Riot
What started out as a labor protest for industrial workers became a violent riot after a citizen threw a bomb at police. Because of the violence and outcome, this event was a setback to all of the progress workers had made. -
American Federation of Labor
Unlike other unions, the American Federation of Labor allowed only skilled workers. This was founded by Samuel Gompers. The AFL eventually became the largest in the United States -
Homestead Strike
The Homestead Strike occurred in Pennsylvania against one of the largest steel companies- Carnegie Steel. Those who went against the business were part of the Amalgamated Association of Iron and Steel Workers. In response to the strike, Frick, the plant manager, decided to lock all the workers out of the plant. He then ordered the Pinkertons to use violence to stop everything, but they eventually surrendered. -
The Pullman Strike
Those working for George Pullman went on strike after their wages were lowered and hours were cut short. Despite these changes, the cost of living wasn't lowered which made several people struggle. In the end, the workers were told they could potentially be fired if they continued their strike. -
Shirtwaist Factory Fire
The Shirtwaist Factory Fire was/is one of the worst industrial disasters in America. This accident burned and killed 145 people. Many people became aware of the dangers of working in sweatshops and factories. Employers eventually added unlocked doors, emergency exits, and several other things to make the workplace safer for workers. -
The Wagner Act
This act was signed by Roosevelt in 1935, establishing the relations between workers and employers and the National Labor Relations Board. This gave workers the right to join any union they wanted and do whatever they wanted for work. -
Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938
The Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 gave workers a minimum wage, opportunities for overtime, and changed the laws for youth in the workforce. All jobs that were private, public, government etc. had similar laws. -
Taft-Hartley
By putting this act in effect, unions had to end their unfair labor practices. This act also followed the Wagner Act. Closed shops were considered illegal until they were voted on, forbade unions from getting involved with politics, and made both health inspections and safety checks mandatory.
