Social Studies Help Center
Social Studies Help Center: The Labor Union Movement in America
Discusses the Labor Union Movement in America from its origins in the 1700's.
University of Pennsylvania
Mary Harris Mother Jones
A short, easy-to-understand biography of Mother Jones (1837-1930 CE) who was active in union and labor movements.
History Teacher
Historyteacher.net: The Rise of Big Business & the Labor Movement: Quiz (2)
This 10-question multiple choice quiz is immediately scored and tests your knowledge of the labor movement in the late 19th century.
Other
United Mine Workers of America: Umwa History: Cio
Here's a brief history of the Congress of Industrial Organizations, the brainchild of John L. Lewis. Read about why he thought it was important for several unions to join together to press their ideas.
Other
Uic: Women's Trade Union League of Chicago Collection
A very brief description of what the Women's Trade Union League was, why it was formed, and what actions it took.
Chicago History Museum
Encyclopedia of Chicago: Soldiers in Gary During Steel Strike, 1919
See a picture of soldiers parading down the street in Gary, Indiana, during the Great Steel Strike of 1919. A quote from union leadership explains the reasons behind the strike.
Other
Women of Valor: Women's Trade Union League: Lillian Wald
A brief description of the reasons for founding the Women's Trade Union League and Lillian Wald, one of the founding members.
Other
The Nlrb: The Wagner Act of 1935
College student paper outlines the Wagner Act and the National Labor Relations Board set up by that act which addresses union collective bargaining and secret-ballot elections.
Other
Ibew: Clayton Antitrust Act of 1914
Read a brief description of the Clayton Antitrust Act, which Samuel Gompers considered the Magna Carta of labor legislation.
Ohio History Central
Ohio History Central: Industrial Workers of the World
A very brief description of the Industrial Workers of the World and what they represented.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Labor vs. Management
As Big Business grew in the Gilded Age, so did conflict between the workers and management. Read about the techniques used by both groups to try to press their points and get the upper hand in negotiations.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Organized Labor
Industrial workers, as industry emerged and grew in the last half of the 19th century, did not profit as the business tycoons did. Read about the very beginnings of attempts to organize as a force to demand higher wages, a shorter work...
Cornell University
Cornell University: Law School: Labor Law: An Overview
This site gives a description of labor law and describes government acts which protect the labor force.
Other
Illinois Labor History Society: When Women Were Knights
This article discusses women's roles in the Knights of Labor.
Ohio History Central
Ohio History Central: Samuel Gompers
A brief biography of Samuel Gompers focusing primarily on his activities in labor union history.
Ohio History Central
Ohio History Central: Great Railroad Strike of 1877
Read how the Great Railroad Strike started and why federal troops were called in to control the strikers.
Ohio History Central
Ohio History Central: Great Steel Strike of 1919
Ohio History Central gives a brief summary of the Great Steel Strike of 1919, an attempt by steel workers to get higher pay and a shorter work day. Find out the results of the strike.
Ohio History Central
Ohio History Central: Terence Powderly
A brief biography of Terence Powderly, formative leader of the Knights of Labor, as well as an official in the Bureau of Immigration.
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.
University of Houston
University of Houston: An American Industrial Revolution Unit: Rise of Labor
Students learn about the history of the labor movement in Industrial America, including some of the major unions that emerged and the most well-known strikes. Next, they make connections to the role of unions today. They then work in...
Other
Encyclopedia of Cleveland History: Little Steel Strike
A brief look at the steel workers' strike against the steel producers in Ohio. Read how the strike progressed, and how it was eventually resolved.
University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania Labor Legacy: Great Railroad Stike of 1877
See a list of the pictures of places burned in the Great Railroad Strike of 1877 and view pictures taken at that time.
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
Choate Rosemary Hall: Trade Unions
A brief description of how labor unions emerged from the Industrial Revolution.