GILDED AGE: Workers

Question 1

Wider Debate

Answer 1

• Some argue there was a distinct improvement as there was significant growth of unions and organisations e.g Knights of Labour
• Can be countered with the limited nature of reforms by government who has a close alliance with big business leaders e.g Pullman Strike

Question 2

Judgement

Answer 2

It would appear that any gains that organised labour made during period of growth were short-lived and their position was ultimately weakened by divisons within labour movement

Question 3

How much did the KOL grow in this period?

Answer 3

• 1881: 20,000
• 1886: 700,000

Question 4

What organisation was established in 1886?

Answer 4

• American Federation of Labour
• First national labour federation, sought to link all unions

Question 5

How much did wages rise for some skilled workers in this period

Answer 5

60%

Question 6

What were sickness clubs?

Answer 6

If workers were sick, they could get income from these, even if these were limited

Question 7

What was the Haymarket Affair

Answer 7

• Big fail- KOL goes to 100,000
• Police and striking workers- 4 workers killed when police open fire
• During rall in Haymarket Sq, bomb thrown, killing 7 with police retaliating

Question 8

How did the Haymarket Affair contribute to lack of progress?

Answer 8

Violence of this damaged the reputation of unions- discouraging many workers from joining

Question 9

What was the general gov attituded in this time and how did this contribute to lack of progress

Answer 9

• Laissez-faire attitude
• mostly supported big businesses which added to lack of protection available to workers

Question 10

In 1889 how many rail workers were killed in accidents

Answer 10

2000

Question 11

What was the Pullman Strike

Answer 11

• 1894
• Wages had been cut by 25% and management had failed to recognise workers right to collective bargaining
• Grover Cleveland sent in federal troops, killing 7