Big Business and Labor

Laissez Faire and Social Darwinism promoted the mistreatment of laborers. They were created as an excuse for business men to trample over their workers, For example according to Social Darwinism, the poor were naturally inferior to the rich and thus didn't deserve the government to intervene for them. The people that owned the businesses sad that because the government didn't have the right to regulate it. This was part of Laissez Faire, as was the right for business owners to do whatever they wanted without interference from people outside the government either. Therefore, because Social Darwinism and Laissez Faire prevented the government intervention and explained why people were poor with no fault to the rich, large business owners could take advantage of laborers by paying them little and treating them like dirt.

Labor Unions & Big Business

the Knights of Labor

a. Identification
A large group of laborers that tries to get improved working conditions in 1868. They specifically fought for an 8 hour work day.
b. Significance
They were one of the first national labor unions and gave the idea to several others.
the Haymarket riot

a. Identification
A riot in 1866 caused by anarchists and unionists because of terrible working conditions and worker injuries.
b. Significance
The Haymarket riot caused a revival of the middle class fear of radicalism as well as drawing attention to labor unions.
the American Federation of Labor

a. Identification
A conglomeration of labor unions lead by Samuel Gompers and used strikes to further its goals.
b. Significance
Helped to significantly lower work weeks and increase pay to workers.
Samuel Gompers

a. Identification
Samuel Gompers was the president of the American Federation of labor. He used strikes and collective bargaining to improve work conditions.
b. Significance
Samuel Gompers founded the AFL which was influential in several strikes and helped lower workdays and increase pay.
the Homestead strike

a. Identification

A strike by the steel workers at one of Carnage's factories that ended in violence and was quelled by the National Guard.
b. Significance
It was the last strike by steel workers for 45 years, a significant amount of time considering the frequency of other strikes.
the Pullman strike

a. Identification
A strike that lasted for a few months because of the cut in Pullman's workers wages and no cut in the expense of their houses.
b. Significance
Many workers got fired and nothing changed. It also exemplified the reality of the era.
Eugene V. Debs

a. Identification
Formed the ARU and was involved in the Pullman strike.
b. Significance
Formed one of the first mixed skilled labor union.
the Industrial Workers of the World

a. Identification
A group of radical unionists and socialists formed in the late 1800's.
b. Significance

Made a labor union that socialists were happy with and tried for the same goals as the other unions.