Labor and Immigration History Quiz

What is specialization in the workplace?

• A) Training workers to perform multiple different jobs in a factory
• B) Having workers repeatedly perform a single step in the production process
• C) Replacing human workers with machines to increase efficiency
• D) Allowing workers to negotiate their own wages and tasks

What is a labor union?

• A) A government organization that enforces workplace laws
• B) A group of workers who unite to improve wages and conditions

• C) A company-run program to provide worker benefits
• D) A group of business owners who negotiate with workers

What strategy did labor unions use to negotiate better wages and working conditions?

• A) Collective bargaining
• B) Hiring private security forces
• C) Encouraging individual workers to negotiate
• D) Establishing company-run welfare programs

What was one major effect of machines replacing skilled workers in factories?

• A) Wages increased significantly
• B) Factories became smaller
• C) Unskilled workers could be easily replaced
• D) Employment rates dramatically rose

What was the main goal of labor unions during the late 19th century?

• A) To prevent immigration
• B) To negotiate for better wages and working conditions
• C) To increase automation in factories
• D) To eliminate all government regulation in businesses

How did the Haymarket Riot begin?

• A) A factory fire that led to a protest
• B) A strike in support of an 8-hour workday turned violent after police killed two workers
• C) A disagreement between union leaders over worker demands
• D) A business owner fired all unionized workers

Which strike involved Henry Frick hiring the Pinkerton Agency to break the power of the union by force?

• A) The Haymarket Riot
• B) The Homestead Strike
• C) The Pullman Strike
• D) The Great Railroad Strike of 1877

What was one of the reasons the Homestead Strike turned violent?

• A) Workers attacked replacement employees
• B) The governor ordered a military attack on workers
• C) The Pinkertons clashed with striking workers, leading to several deaths
• D) Striking workers shut down all steel production nationwide

What is a company town?

• A) A town where workers own the businesses and factories
• B) A town built and owned by a company where workers are required to live and shop
• C) A factory that operates under strict government oversight
• D) A labor union headquarters that negotiates wages with business owners

What caused the Pullman Strike to begin?

• A) Workers were protesting unsafe working conditions
• B) George Pullman laid off workers and cut wages without lowering their rent
• C) Workers were fighting for the right to unionize
• D) The company replaced all its workers with machines