History of Labor Visual Timeline

  • Knights of Labor

    Knights of Labor

    One of the first major labor groups. It welcomed all workers and pushed for an 8-hour workday.
  • American Federation of Labor (AFL)

    American Federation of Labor (AFL)

    AFL united skilled workers into strong unions. It focused on better wages and working conditions.
  • Haymarket Riot

    Haymarket Riot

    A labor protest turned violent after a bomb exploded in Chicago. It hurt the labor movement's image but inspired global worker unity.
  • Period: to

    Pullman Strike

    A massive railroad strike led by Eugene V. Debs shut down trains nationwide. The government stepped in, showing conflict between labor and business.
  • Shirtwaist Factory Fire

    Shirtwaist Factory Fire

    A fire killed 146 workers due to locked exits and unsafe conditions. It led to major safety reforms in workplaces.
  • Textile Workers Strike of 1934

    Textile Workers Strike of 1934

    Over 400,000 workers protested poor conditions in Southern mills. It was one of the largest strikes in U.S. history.
  • The Wagner Act

    The Wagner Act

    This law gave workers the right
    to form unions and bargain. It created the National Labor Relations Board.
  • Period: to

    1930s General Motors Sit Down Strike

    Workers at General Motors sat down in the factory to demand union rights. Their protest helped form the United Auto Workers.
  • Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938

    Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938

    This law created minimum wage,
    banned child labor, and set overtime rules. It protects workers to this day.
  • Taft-Hartley

    Taft-Hartley

    This law limited union power and
    allowed "right-to-work" laws. It changed how unions operate.