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12: The Rise of Labor and the People’s Fight Back

As robber barons tightened their grip, working people realized that survival meant solidarity.

From the ashes of crushed strikes grew powerful labor organizations:

  • The Knights of Labor (founded 1869) welcomed workers across race and gender.
  • The American Federation of Labor (1886) focused on skilled trades.
  • Later, Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) fought for all workers, “One Big Union.”

Workers organized strikes, boycotts, sit-ins, and political campaigns. They demanded:

  • 8-hour workdays
  • Safe conditions
  • Living wages
  • An end to child labor

Despite relentless violence from private armies like the Pinkertons, and government crackdowns, the labor movement won key victories:

  • Laws mandating minimum wages
  • Workplace safety regulations
  • Social Security
  • The right to collectively bargain

Labor unions proved a simple truth:
When the many organize, they can defeat the few.

But every win was fought for, and every gain was — and still is — under constant threat.


Sources and Further Reading:

  • History of the Labor Movement — AFL-CIO
  • There Is Power in a Union by Philip Dray

Recommended Books:

  • Labor’s Untold Story by Richard O. Boyer
  • Democracy at Work by Richard Wolff (for modern strategies to reclaim labor power)

Action Steps:

  • Support union efforts locally.
  • Share stories of labor history to keep the truth alive.

Follow the series at: http://nokingsinphilly.blogspot.com/



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