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Primary
Yale University

The Statute of Laborers King Edward Iii 1351

For Students 9th - 10th
Original text of a law for controlling the wages and conditions for laborers (1351). King Edward III's law prevented laborers from demanding more wages after the Black Death caused a labor shortage.
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Website
Vassar College

Vassar College: 1896: Socialism

For Students 9th - 10th
This website from Vassar College for Political Cartoons offers a look at Socialism in 1896 with special attention to the thoughts of Eugene V. Debs.
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Graphic
US National Archives

Nara: A New Deal for the Arts Activist Arts

For Students 9th - 10th
The turbulence of the Great Depression is reflected in these images of workers in artwork from the NARA on this site.
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Website
University of Arizona

The Promise of Gold Mountain: Southern Pacific Railroad Workers

For Students 9th - 10th
The lesser-known story of the Chinese building of the Southern Pacific Railroad in Arizona.
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Lesson Plan
Library of Congress

Loc: Labor Unions and Working Conditions: United We Stand

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Think about your work environment. Are you allowed to rest periodically? Do you earn a decent wage? Can you voice your concerns without losing your job? There was a time when workers in the United States did not have basic rights such as...
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Website
Digital History

Digital History: The Laboring Poor

For Students 9th - 10th
The plight of the working poor is not a new one. Read about the problems faced by unskilled workers in the mid-1800s.