LABOR IN THE UNITED STATES - THE RISE OF UNIONS
Life for workers in industrial America was difficult. many workers had to perform dull, repetitive tasks in the working conditions that were often unhealthy and dangerous. Workers breathed in lint, dust, and toxic fumes. Heavy machines lacking safety devices caused many injuries. Workers tried to form unions in the late 1800s, hoping to improve wages, hours, and working conditions. Business leaders were willing to deal with some trade unions but generally opposed industrial unions. Many strikes in this era led to violence, which hurt the image of unions and slowed their growth.
Compare these major strikes. What kind of tactics were used by the workers and by the employers? What were the outcomes? |
View this video on Unions in the Railroad Industry
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View this video on Unions in the Mines
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View these different pages on Labor and Unions
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