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One of the earliest and most influential labor organizations, the Knights of Labor is founded by Philadelphia tailors.
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The first nationwide strike stops trains across the country. About 100,000 railroad workers are involved. Federal troops are called out to break the strike.
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During a labor demonstration in Chicago, a bomb explodes and rioting ensues. Anarchists are singled out and convicted of inciting violence during the Haymarket Square Affair.
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Samuel Gompers founds the American Federation of Labor.
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Violence ends the Homestead steel strike in Homestead, Pennsylvania.
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The Pullman strike, involving 50,000 rail workers, ends in rioting and violence.
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The Industrial Workers of the World (IWW), a radical union, is formed with the aim of overthrowing capitalism and replacing it with a socialist system.
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The U.S. government establishes the Department of Labor to protect the rights of workers.
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The Clayton Antitrust Act legalizes nonviolent strikes and boycotts.
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The Wagner Act (also called the National Labor Relations Act) affirms the right of workers to unionize and requires employers to participate in collective bargaining.
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The Fair Labor Standards Act establishes the minimum wage.
