Knights of Labor

Definition

The Knights of Labor was one of the first significant labor organizations in the United States, founded in 1869. This secret society aimed to unite all workers, regardless of skill level, race, or gender, to advocate for better working conditions, an eight-hour workday, and an end to child labor. The organization played a crucial role in the labor movement and highlighted the social injustices faced by workers during a time of rapid industrialization.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Knights of Labor grew rapidly in the 1880s, reaching a membership of over 700,000 at its peak in 1886.
2. Unlike many other labor organizations of its time, the Knights welcomed all workers, including women and African Americans.
3. The organization advocated for social reforms beyond labor issues, including currency reform and the establishment of cooperatives.
4. The Knights of Labor organized several significant strikes, including the successful 1885 strike against the Wabash Railroad.
5. The decline of the Knights was influenced by their association with the Haymarket Affair and internal divisions within the organization.

Review Questions

• How did the Knights of Labor differ from other labor organizations during its time?
  • The Knights of Labor was unique because it sought to unite all workers regardless of their skill level, race, or gender, which was not common among other labor organizations that primarily focused on skilled trades. This inclusivity allowed them to address broader social issues beyond just wages and working conditions. The organization’s vision encompassed not only labor rights but also social reforms, making it stand out in a period where most unions were more exclusive and focused narrowly on specific worker categories.
• Evaluate the impact of the Knights of Labor on the labor movement in America during the late 19th century.
  • The Knights of Labor had a profound impact on the American labor movement by expanding membership to diverse groups and raising awareness about critical issues like child labor and unfair working conditions. Their push for an eight-hour workday gained national attention and helped shape future labor policies. However, their decline after events like the Haymarket Affair also highlighted the challenges faced by labor organizations in combating public fear and violence against union activities during that era.
• Synthesize how the goals of the Knights of Labor influenced later labor movements in America.
  • The goals of the Knights of Labor laid foundational ideas for later labor movements by emphasizing inclusivity and broader social reforms. Their focus on uniting all workers inspired subsequent organizations like the American Federation of Labor to adopt strategies that improved working conditions while still prioritizing specific worker groups. Additionally, their advocacy for legislation like an eight-hour workday eventually became central themes for later movements, showcasing how early efforts directly influenced progressive changes within American labor rights over time.

Related terms

American Federation of Labor: A national federation of labor unions in the United States, founded in 1886, that focused on skilled workers and emphasized collective bargaining.

Labor Day: A federal holiday in the United States celebrated on the first Monday in September to honor and recognize the American labor movement and the contributions of laborers.

Haymarket Affair: A violent confrontation between police and labor protesters in Chicago on May 4, 1886, which significantly impacted public perception of labor movements.