APUSH Period 6 Labor Unions Knights of Labor and AFL
34 flashcards covering APUSH Period 6 Labor Unions Knights of Labor and AFL for the AP-US-HISTORY Period 6 (1865–1898) section.
This topic covers the rise of labor unions during Period 6 of American history, specifically focusing on the Knights of Labor and the American Federation of Labor (AFL). The AP United States History curriculum outlines the significance of these organizations in advocating for workers' rights, addressing issues such as working conditions, wages, and hours in the post-Civil War industrial economy.
On practice exams, questions often present scenarios or primary sources related to labor strikes, membership growth, or the contrasting strategies of the Knights of Labor and the AFL. Common traps include misidentifying the goals of each union or confusing their approaches to labor reform. It's essential to understand not only the historical context but also the specific actions and philosophies that differentiated these unions. A practical pitfall to avoid is oversimplifying the labor movement's achievements; recognizing the complexities and challenges faced by these organizations can provide a more nuanced understanding of their impact.
Terms (34)
- 01
What was the primary goal of the Knights of Labor?
The primary goal of the Knights of Labor was to promote the social and cultural uplift of the working class and to advocate for better working conditions, including the eight-hour workday and the end of child labor (College Board APUSH CED).
- 02
How did the American Federation of Labor (AFL) differ from the Knights of Labor?
The AFL focused on skilled workers and sought to negotiate specific labor issues such as wages and working conditions, while the Knights of Labor included all workers and aimed for broader social reforms (College Board APUSH CED).
- 03
What was a significant achievement of the Knights of Labor in the late 19th century?
A significant achievement was the organization of the first nationwide strike, the Great Southwest Railroad Strike of 1886, which highlighted the power of collective action among workers (College Board APUSH CED).
- 04
When was the American Federation of Labor founded?
The American Federation of Labor was founded in 1886, aiming to unify skilled workers and improve their labor conditions through collective bargaining (College Board APUSH CED).
- 05
What was the major event that led to the decline of the Knights of Labor?
The Haymarket Affair in 1886, which was associated with the Knights of Labor, led to public backlash and a decline in membership due to fears of radicalism (College Board APUSH CED).
- 06
Which labor organization focused primarily on skilled laborers?
The American Federation of Labor (AFL) focused primarily on skilled laborers, advocating for their specific needs and rights within the workforce (College Board APUSH CED).
- 07
What was the significance of the Pullman Strike of 1894?
The Pullman Strike was significant as it demonstrated the federal government's willingness to intervene in labor disputes, which led to the use of federal troops to break the strike (College Board APUSH CED).
- 08
How did the AFL approach labor negotiations?
The AFL approached labor negotiations through collective bargaining, focusing on practical gains such as higher wages and better working conditions for its members (College Board APUSH CED).
- 09
What was one of the main strategies used by the Knights of Labor?
One of the main strategies used by the Knights of Labor was to organize workers across various industries to create a unified front for labor rights and reforms (College Board APUSH CED).
- 10
What was the impact of the Haymarket Riot on labor movements?
The Haymarket Riot negatively impacted labor movements by associating them with violence and radicalism, leading to decreased public support for labor organizations like the Knights of Labor (College Board APUSH CED).
- 11
What type of workers did the Knights of Labor seek to include in their membership?
The Knights of Labor sought to include all workers, regardless of skill level, race, or gender, in their membership to advocate for broad labor reforms (College Board APUSH CED).
- 12
What was one of the key demands of the Knights of Labor?
One of the key demands of the Knights of Labor was the establishment of an eight-hour workday, which became a central issue in labor movements (College Board APUSH CED).
- 13
In which year did the American Federation of Labor first hold its convention?
The American Federation of Labor first held its convention in 1886, marking the formal establishment of the organization (College Board APUSH CED).
- 14
What was the role of women in the labor movements of the late 19th century?
Women played significant roles in labor movements, often leading strikes and advocating for labor rights, although they were frequently excluded from leadership positions in major unions (College Board APUSH CED).
- 15
How did the government respond to labor strikes in the late 19th century?
The government often responded to labor strikes with force, deploying troops to break strikes and protect business interests, as seen in the Pullman Strike (College Board APUSH CED).
- 16
What was the main focus of the AFL's early campaigns?
The main focus of the AFL's early campaigns was on securing higher wages, shorter hours, and better working conditions for skilled workers (College Board APUSH CED).
- 17
What was a common tactic used by labor unions during strikes?
A common tactic used by labor unions during strikes was to call for a boycott of the employer's products to pressure them into negotiations (College Board APUSH CED).
- 18
What was the significance of the Homestead Strike of 1892?
The Homestead Strike was significant as it represented a major conflict between labor and capital, leading to violent confrontations and highlighting the struggles of workers (College Board APUSH CED).
- 19
How did the Knights of Labor view strikes?
The Knights of Labor viewed strikes as a last resort and preferred to use negotiation and arbitration to resolve labor disputes (College Board APUSH CED).
- 20
What was the primary purpose of the Labor Day holiday established in 1894?
The primary purpose of Labor Day was to honor the contributions of American workers and to promote the labor movement's achievements (College Board APUSH CED).
- 21
What was the outcome of the Pullman Strike for the labor movement?
The outcome of the Pullman Strike was a setback for the labor movement, as it led to increased government intervention and a decline in union power (College Board APUSH CED).
- 22
What was the significance of the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) formed in 1905?
The significance of the IWW was its radical approach to labor organizing, advocating for the rights of all workers and promoting direct action tactics (College Board APUSH CED).
- 23
What was one of the main criticisms of the Knights of Labor?
One of the main criticisms of the Knights of Labor was that it was too inclusive and lacked a clear, focused agenda, which led to internal conflicts (College Board APUSH CED).
- 24
What did the term 'scab' refer to during labor strikes?
The term 'scab' referred to workers who continued to work or were hired to replace striking workers, often leading to increased tensions during strikes (College Board APUSH CED).
- 25
What was the main reason for the formation of the AFL?
The main reason for the formation of the AFL was to create a more focused and effective organization that could better advocate for the interests of skilled workers (College Board APUSH CED).
- 26
What role did the media play in shaping public perception of labor unions?
The media often portrayed labor unions negatively, framing them as radical and violent, which influenced public opinion against them (College Board APUSH CED).
- 27
What was the impact of the Sherman Antitrust Act on labor unions?
The Sherman Antitrust Act was used against labor unions by labeling strikes and boycotts as illegal conspiracies, which hindered their ability to organize (College Board APUSH CED).
- 28
What was the significance of the Great Railroad Strike of 1877?
The Great Railroad Strike of 1877 was significant as it was one of the first nationwide strikes in the U.S., demonstrating the growing discontent among workers (College Board APUSH CED).
- 29
What was the primary focus of the labor movement in the late 19th century?
The primary focus of the labor movement in the late 19th century was to secure better wages, hours, and working conditions for workers across various industries (College Board APUSH CED).
- 30
How did the Knights of Labor's membership change over time?
The Knights of Labor's membership initially grew rapidly but declined significantly after the Haymarket Affair due to loss of public support and internal issues (College Board APUSH CED).
- 31
What was the role of the federal government in labor disputes during the late 19th century?
The federal government often intervened in labor disputes by siding with business interests and using military force to suppress strikes (College Board APUSH CED).
- 32
What was a key demand of the labor movement that emerged in the 1890s?
A key demand of the labor movement that emerged in the 1890s was the establishment of a minimum wage and improved working conditions for all workers (College Board APUSH CED).
- 33
What was the significance of the 1894 Pullman Strike in relation to federal intervention?
The significance of the 1894 Pullman Strike was that it marked a turning point in federal intervention in labor disputes, setting a precedent for future government actions (College Board APUSH CED).
- 34
What impact did the labor movement have on American society by the end of the 19th century?
By the end of the 19th century, the labor movement had raised awareness of workers' rights and led to significant changes in labor laws and practices (College Board APUSH CED).