Definition
The Knights of Labor was originally established as a fraternal order of tailors in Philadelphia around 1869 by Uriah Smith Stevens. It rapidly evolved into a prominent labor union, advocating for the rights of workers across various occupations. By the mid-1880s, the organization had expanded to over 700,000 members, encompassing individuals from nearly every industry. The Knights of Labor sought to improve working conditions, secure fair wages, and promote labor reforms. However, their influence waned, and the organization collapsed in 1893 following a national backlash against labor agitators.
Examples
- Haymarket Square Riot (1886): Members of the Knights of Labor were actively involved in the labor protests that led to the Haymarket Square Riot in Chicago, advocating for an eight-hour workday.
- Railroad Strikes of the 1880s: The Knights of Labor organized several major railroad strikes, such as the Great Southwest Railroad Strike of 1886, aiming to secure better working conditions and wages.
- Laws and Reforms: The Knights of Labor pushed for legislation that would limit child labor, enhance workplace safety, and establish a standardized workday.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who founded the Knights of Labor? The Knights of Labor were founded by Uriah Smith Stevens in 1869.
2. What was the primary purpose of the Knights of Labor? The primary purpose of the Knights of Labor was to protect workers from employer abuses, advocate for labor reforms, and promote the economic and social welfare of its members.
3. Why did the Knights of Labor collapse? The Knights of Labor collapsed in 1893 due to a national backlash against labor agitators and internal organizational issues.
4. What occupations were included in the Knights of Labor? Initially aimed at tailors, the Knights of Labor expanded to include members from virtually all occupations by the mid-1880s.
5. What significant event is associated with the Knights of Labor? A significant event associated with the Knights of Labor is the Haymarket Square Riot in 1886, a pivotal moment in the labor movement.
Related Terms
- Labor Union: An organization that represents the collective interests of workers, bargaining with employers over wages, benefits, and working conditions.
- Industrial Workers of the World (IWW): A labor organization founded in 1905, also known as the Wobblies, which aimed to unite all workers to promote labor solidarity and social change.
- Eight-Hour Workday: A labor reform goal advocating for an 8-hour workday, which was one of the central issues for the Knights of Labor.
Online Resources
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Knights of Labor
- History.com: Knights of Labor
- Library of Congress on the Knights of Labor
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Labor in America: A History” by Melvyn Dubofsky and Foster Rhea Dulles
- “The Knights of Labor in Alberta” by John H. Taylor
- “American Labor Struggles and Law Histories” by Kenneth M. Casebeer
Fundamentals of Knights of Labor: U.S. Labor History Basics Quiz
Thank you for exploring the history and influence of the Knights of Labor with us. We hope this detailed overview and quiz have enriched your understanding of this important labor movement in U.S. history.
