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The Great Railroad Strike of 1877
The Great Railroad Strike started in West Virginia as a response to wage cuts and poor working conditions. The strike spread across the nation quickly marking one of the first major national labor strikes in U.S. history. It was eventually put to an end by the military, demonstrating growth among industrial workers and highlighting the need for labor reforms. -
Samuel Gompers
Samuel Gompers was the founder of the American Federation of Labor. While also serving as the president for many years. He focused on improving wages and working coditions. -
Formation of the AFL
Samuel Gompers was the one who founded and formed the AFL also known as The American Federation of Labor. The AFL brought together many craft unions. The American Federation of Labor focused on achieving higher wages, better working conditions, and shorter hours. -
Eugene V. Debs
Eugene V. Debs was a labor right leader while also being a 5 time Sociallist candidate for the president. He played a crucial role when it came to organizing the American Railway Union. He was also and key advocate for workers right during his career -
The Pullman Strike
The Pullman Strike started in Chicago at the Pullman Company. It was a nationwide railroad strike caused by wage cuts and high rents, led by Eugene V. Debs of the American Railway Union. This event highlighted the worker's need for demanding better conditions. -
Mother Jones
Mother Jones was a labor activist and organizer who was known for her work in coal mines. While also being and advocate for child labor laws. She played a key role when it came to organizing strikes while also becoming a symbol of labor activism. -
Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire
The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in New York City is one of the deadliest industrial disasters in U.S. history. The fire killed 146 workers, most of whom were young immigrant women. The fire highlighted unsafe working conditions in factories which created stricter workplace safety regulations. -
The Wagner Act
The Wagner Act was passed under President Franklin D. Roosevelt. It provides workers with legal rights to form unions, engage in collective bargaining, and take part in strikes. It was a major milestone in the labor movement, ensuring federal protection for workers' rights. -
Dolores Huerta
Dolores Huertas was the co-founder of the United Farm Workers. She worked along side Cesar Chavez in order to improve wages and working conditions for farm workers. Dolores Huerta was an advocate for both civil rights and labor reforms. -
I've Been to the Mountaintop
Author: Martin Luther King, Jr. -
Puerto Rican Obituary
Author: Pedro Pietri -
Cesar Chavez
Cesar Chavez was a leader of the United Farm Workers while also being and advcate for farm workers rights. He used his skilled of organizing strategies and resistance to fight for workers right. Cesar Chavez used forms of strikes and boycotting as a way to going against and demand better wages a long with better working conditions for farm workers. -
He Showed Us the Way
Author: Cesar Chavez -
Address to the Commonwealth Club of California
Author: Cesar Chavez -
Who Burns for the Perfection of Paper
Author: Martín Espada