What were the similarities and differences between the Knights of Labor and the American Federation of Labor?
Both the American Federation of Labor (AFL) and the Knights of Labor (KOL) were influential in their respective sectors. AFL defended the rights of skilled workers and had more 4 million members by 1920. On the other hand, KOL defended the rights of both skilled and unskilled workers and had 700,000 members by 1886.
What were the key issues the Knights of Labor wanted addressed?
The Knights’ primary demand was for the eight-hour workday. They also called for legislation to end child and convict labor as well as a graduated income tax. They also supported cooperatives.
How was organized labor successful?
Organized labor has brought tremendous positive change to working Americans. Today, many workers enjoy higher wages, better hours, and safer working conditions. Employers often pay for medical coverage and several weeks vacation. Jobs and lives were lost in the epic struggle for a fair share.
Why did the fortunes of the Knights of Labor rise in the late 1870s?
Why did the fortunes of the knights of Labor rise in the late 1870s and decline in the 1890s? “The Knights promoted the social and cultural uplift of the workingman, rejected Socialism and radicalism, demanded the eight-hour day, and promoted the producers ethic of republicanism.
How did the Great Depression impact the labor movement in the United States?
Although the advent of the Great Depression reduced AFL membership to fewer than 3 million, the Depression helped advance the labor movement by creating sympathy for the plight of working people (at the depths of the Depression, about one-third of the American work force was unemployed).
What was the impact of great depression on us?
The Great Depression of 1929 devastated the U.S. economy. A third of all banks failed. 1 Unemployment rose to 25%, and homelessness increased. 2 Housing prices plummeted 67%, international trade collapsed by 65%, and deflation soared above 10%.