LABOR in the Gilded Age [APUSH Review Unit 6 Topic 7] Period 6: 1865-1898

Labor in the Gilded Age

Overview of the Gilded Age

• The speaker introduces the topic of labor during the Gilded Age, likening it to a "golden covered turd," indicating that while there are some positive aspects, many underlying issues exist.

• The focus will be on socioeconomic continuities and changes from 1865 to 1898 due to industrial capitalism.

Wealth Disparity

• A significant divide emerged between the wealthy business owners (bourgeoisie) and the poor working class as industrialization progressed.

• Wealthy individuals displayed their riches through "conspicuous consumption," a term coined by economist Thorstein Veblen, exemplified by extravagant structures like the Biltmore House.

Working Class Struggles

• Many workers lived in poverty with wages below comfortable living standards, especially during economic downturns like the Panic of 1873 and Panic of 1893. Despite this, prices for goods decreased due to mass production, allowing some improvement in living standards for industrial workers.

• Although wages were generally low, they did rise overall during this period, leading to increased availability of goods and services for many Americans.

Labor Unions and Collective Action

• Workers faced dangerous conditions in factories and other industries but struggled to negotiate better wages or safety standards individually; thus, they formed labor unions for collective bargaining power.

• Unions employed various tactics such as political action, slowdowns, and strikes to advocate for fair treatment of workers. One notable example is the Great Railroad Strike of 1877 where railroad workers protested wage cuts leading to widespread disruption across eleven states.

Significant Strikes: Great Railroad Strike & Pullman Strike

• The Great Railroad Strike resulted in violence and federal intervention after over 100 people died; it demonstrated union strength which led employers to negotiate with laborers about their grievances.

Overview of Labor Unions in the Late 19th Century

The Knights of Labor

• The Knights of Labor emerged as a significant national union in 1881, advocating for inclusive membership.

• Contrary to common assumptions, the Knights welcomed black laborers and women, aiming for broader representation.

• Their primary goals included the abolition of child labor and dismantling trusts and monopolies, addressing severe exploitation in industries.

• By the late 19th century, children aged 10 to 15 made up about 18% of the workforce, facing high risks of injury and death.

• The organization’s decline began after the Haymarket Square Riot in 1886, which unfairly tarnished their reputation due to public association with violence.

The American Federation of Labor (AFL)

• Founded by Samuel Gompers, the AFL represented craft workers and grew to one million members by 1901.