Curated OER
Development of Labor Unions
High schoolers examine the conditions that led to organized labor unions. In this 20th century America lesson, students compare and contrast the Knights of Labor Constitution, the American Federation of Labor Constitution, and the...
National Humanities Center
National Humanities Center: America in Class: America in the 1920s: Prosperity: Labor Union
The National Humanities Center presents collections of primary resources compatible with the Common Core State Standards historical documents, literary texts, and works of art thematically organized with notes and discussion questions....
University of Missouri
Famous Trials: Western Federation of Miners
A good review of the Western Federation of Miners and its actions in Colorado in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Find out why the organization was seen to have socialist leanings.
US Department of Labor
U.s. Department of Labor: Labor in the Industrial Era
This interesting essay traces the growth of the Knights of Labor from a group that represented those in the shoe industry in Philadelphia to a nationwide union fighting for workers' rights. It also traces other union developments over...
Other
Michigan State University: Earliest Voices: Samuel Gompers
This webpage offers a 1917 historic voice recording of labor leader Samuel Gompers on changes that were taking place in the labor movement as a result of World War I. A biography and downloadable images included.
Other
I Boston: Boston Police Strike of 1919
The year 1919 was a year of strikes all across America. Read about the Boston police force's attempts to unionize in order to improve wages and working conditions. The disastrous results were attributed partly to ethnic prejudice, partly...
Other
Kingwood Library: American Cultural History: 1880 1889
The 1880's in America were chock full of new architecture, technologies, businesses, modern conveniences such as gas and electric, operas, fashions, and much more as featured in this resource.
Other
Mass Moments: January 12, 1912: Bread and Roses Strike Begins
The Bread and Roses Strike was given a very slight chance of accomplishing anything for women who worked in poor conditions in the textile mills in Lawrence, Massachusetts. See how wrong the mill owners and even the leaders of the...
OpenStax
Open Stax: Industrialization: Building Industrial America on the Backs of Labor
Learn about the lives of the working class in Industrial America, what led to the formation of labor unions, and why labor unions were not successful despite strike actions.
OpenStax
Open Stax: Americans and the Great War 1914 1919: A New Home Front
World War I changed the configuration of the workforce and organized labor took the opportunity to strengthen its power base. This section looks at the impact of these changes on women and African Americans, as well as how the women's...
Digital History
Digital History: Haymarket Square Riot
A description of the Haymarket Square riot and its cause. Find quotes from the Chicago Tribune which called the protesters insurrectionists, and two Illinois governors who doubted the guilt of those rounded up, charged, and convicted of...
Digital History
Digital History: Samuel Gompers and the American Federation of Labor
A good look at not only Samuel Gompers and the formation of the American Federation of Labor, but also of the course of unionism in general, its successes and failures, its goals, and membership in the late 19th century.
University of Groningen
American History: Outlines: The Struggles of Labor
Outline of the struggles, conflict and violence experienced by 19th Century industrial workers.
Digital History
Digital History: Postwar Labor Tensions
Read about the strength of labor unions just after World War I and see how the gains were eroded throughout the 1920s.
University of Houston
University of Houston: Engines of Our Ingenuity: American Industrial Revolution
Aimed at middle school teachers and students, this resource contains lists of labor links. It includes a brief history of strikes, the Knights of Labor and the AFL.
University of Washington
Seattle General Strike Project: The Seattle General Strike of 1919
Labor turmoil spread across the United States in 1919. Read about how the Seattle General Strike led the way. Find out about how the shipyard workers were joined by others, and whether the strike was effective.
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.
University of California
Uc Berkeley: Emma Goldman's Published Essays and Pamphlets: Samuel Gompers [Pdf]
An essay dedicated to Samuel Gompers, founder of the American Federation of Labor, written by Emma Goldman and published in 1925.
Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Comission
Explore Pa History: The Great Steel Strike of 1919 Historical Marker
A strike by steel workers in Chicago eventually spread across the United States in 1919. Read about the strike, how was involved, and how the employers turned popular opinion against the strikers.
Other
Usa: Chapter 9: Labor in America: The Worker's Role
Chapter 9 provides an overview of the profound changes labor has undergone from agrarian times to a modern industrial state in the 20th Century and outlines the significance and history of organized labor.
Other
Battle of Homestead Foundation: The 1892 Battle of Homestead
An interesting account of the Homestead Strike of 1892. Learn about the demands of the steelworkers and the violent response of the factory owners. Find drawings and pictures of what happened.
Other
American Federation of Labor: George Meany (1894 1980)
This resource presents a brief history of AFL-CIO leader George Meany.
University of Pittsburgh
Labor Legacy: 1919 Steel Strike
Read reports of the 1919 Steel Strike in Pittsburgh that appeared in the National Labor Journal in October, 1919. An interesting viewpoint of the strike and strikers.
Digital History
Digital History: Mexican Americans
Read about the terrible treatment of Mexican American citizens and immigrants during the Hoover presidency. See how they received some help with the New Deal.