Ohio History Central
Ohio History Central: Knights of Labor
Ohio History Central gives a brief summary of the actions and goals of the Knights of Labor in the last half of the 19th century. Find out about their push for improved working conditions and whether striking was advantageous or not in...
University of Washington
University of Washington: Knights of Labor History and Geography 1869 1899
Overview of the Knights of Labor with maps showing the expansion of the Knights by color-coded time period, the number of local assemblies in each LA county, and more.
Fact Monster
Fact Monster: International Ladies Garment Workers Union
Due to the strife incurred by garment workers at the turn of the century, the International Ladies Garment Workers Union (ILGWU) was formed. Read about its history and its relevancy in the 21st century.
Other
Illinois Labor History Society: When Women Were Knights
This article discusses women's roles in the Knights of Labor.
Michigan State University
Michigan State University: Msu Libraries: Digital Collections: i.w.w.
Primary source documents related to the Industrial Workers of the World, a labor union that grew out of the effects of industrialization on the workforce. All materials can be downloaded.
TED Talks
Ted: Ted Ed: Why Do Americans and Canadians Celebrate Labor Day?
In the United States and Canada, the first Monday of September is a federal holiday, Labor Day. Originally celebrated in New York City's Union Square in 1882, Labor Day was organized by unions as a rare day of rest for the overworked...
Employment Spot
Employment Spot: Labor Day
Today, most Americans view Labor Day as the last chance to take a dip in the pool, a great excuse to barbecue with friends or a farewell to summer. But in 1894, when Labor Day was declared a legal holiday, the day was a celebration of...
University of Groningen
American History: Essays: The Iron Horse: Labor Conflicts and Unionism
This several page chapter from the site From Revolution to Reconstruction outlines the growth of the union in the railroad industry in the late 19th century. Read about the strikes, working conditions, the beginning of the American...
Curated OER
History Matters: Eight Hours for What We Will!
Passage of the Adamson Act in 1916 was a huge victory for labor unions pushing for an eight-hour day. Read about that victory and find an illustration celebrating that fact.
Other
Labor Arts: Solidarity Forever: A Look at Wobbly Culture
An excellent collection of artifacts that highlight the aims and aspirations of the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW). Members of the IWW, known as Wobblies, played a unique role in the American labor movement. Artifacts include...
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Early National Organizations
As early as 1866 a national union grew from the multitude of local unions in the country. Read about the growth of stronger unions, and find out what their goals were. See why the Haymarket Square Riot had an effect on unionization.
University of Maryland
University of Maryland: The Samuel Gompers Papers
Site from the University of Maryland provides primary source documents, a brief history of the labor movement, and biographical information about Samuel Gompers. A great resource for teachers and students.
PBS
Pbs News Hour Extra: 1911 New York Factory Fire Was Fuel for Labor Laws
Article discusses the impact that the Triangle Company fire had on labor laws and unions.
Wikimedia
Wikipedia: National Labor Relations Act
Wikipedia offers information on the National Labor Relations Act or Wagner Act. Includes background, content, controversies that arose, and criticisms of the Act, along with many links to more information.
Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
Gilder Lehrman Institute: History Now: Celebrating Labor Day
[Free Registration/Login Required] A high school lesson plan using two primary source quotes to determine if working conditions have improved in the last 100 years.
A&E Television
History.com: The History of Labor Day
Learn all about this National holiday started in 1894 that celebrates how we value work in America presented by History.com.
Library of Congress
Loc: Today in History: August 20: 8 Hour Work Day
This Library of Congress site provides information on the fight for the eight-hour workday. Discusses labor unions and strikes.
Shmoop University
Shmoop: Labor in the Gilded Age
The Gilded Age was a period of terrible labor violence, as industrialists and workers fought for control of the workplace. Workers organized the first large American labor unions during the Gilded Age, while employers tried to stop the...
ClassFlow
Class Flow: Labor Unions and Strikes
[Free Registration/Login Required] This flipchart focuses on the Haymarket Riot, the Homestead Strike, and the Pullman Strike.
Digital History
Digital History: Labor Protests
A sure sign that manufacturing was moving from the home to the factory was the organization of skilled workers to protest wage reductions and working conditions. Read about the tension between these skilled workers and their employers as...
Other
Nwu: The National Writers Union
This is the homesite for the National Writers Union, an organization for freelance writers. Contains an amazing amount of useful material, especially for aspiring writers, journalists, or storytellers.
University of Groningen
American History: Outlines: The Struggles of Labor
Outline of the struggles, conflict and violence experienced by 19th Century industrial workers.
Other
Iww: The Basic Labor Laws: The Norris La Guardia Act (1932)
A short history of the Norris-LaGuardia Act with respect to labor history.
Ohio State University
E History: Labor Management Conflict
History of the labor/management conflicts that occurred around the country at the beginning of the 20th century. Click on each of the links to get information about each of the conflicts.
Other popular searches
- Labor Unions 1800s
- History of Labor Unions
- Rise of Labor Unions
- Creation of Labor Unions
- Economics Labor Unions
- First Labor Unions
- Labor Unions and Strikes
- Labor Unions Lesson Plans
- Labor Unions 18
- Labor Unions History
- Labor Unions Homestead
- Unions Labor