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Earliest recorded labor strike
The Labor Movement came about in the U.S. when the common interests of workers needed to be protected. The first ever recorded labor strike was in New York in 1768, where workers protested wage reduction. -
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American Revolution
Also known as the U.S. war on independence, the American Revolution influenced labor movements, as it fostered ideas that workers wanted to implement. -
The formation of the Federal Society of Journeymen Cordwainers (shoemakers) in Philadelphia
This marks the beginning of sustained trade union organization among American workers. -
Formation of the Mechanics’ Union of Trade Associations in Philadelphia
A key formation for American trade-unionism, this group aimed to round up local craft unions, and then strike on a larger, national scale. -
Formation of International Typographical Union
National unions brought together local unions in order to keep the labor movement going. -
Formation of the National Labor Union
This group was an advocate of equal rights, and preformed a series of reform efforts throughout the nineteenth century. -
Formation of Knights of Labor
Acted in strikes and boycotts to promote the commonwealth, rather then just laborers. Wanted producers to be well off too, and advocated for higher wages in both parties. -
Railway Strike
A strike against the Baltimore & Ohio railroad leads to a series of strikes across the northeast. -
Haymarket Riot
A labor rally at the Haymarket Square in Chicago, advocated ofr a eight-hour day, causes chaos when an unknown party tosses a bomb at police, who then fire into the crowd. This caused labor unions to have a bad rep. -
American Federation of Labor formed
This group formed as a result of the Knights of Labor defying the national trade unions, as those unions "demanded that the group confine itself to its professed labor reform purposes." -
Sherman Anti-Trust Act
Congress passes the Sherman Anti-Trust Act. Intended to block business monopolies, it will be used effectively by employers against unions.
