Labor Union History and Challenges

The video discusses the formation and evolution of labor unions in response to poor working conditions and corporate mergers. It highlights early unions like the National Labor Union and their achievements, such as the establishment of an eight-hour workday. The video also covers union strategies like collective bargaining, their political influence, and major strikes like the Great Strike of 1877 and the Haymarket Affair. Key figures like Samuel Gompers and Eugene Debs are mentioned, along with the role of women in the labor movement. The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire is discussed as a pivotal event, and the video concludes with the business and government response to union activities.

What was one of the main reasons labor unions were formed?

• To increase corporate profits

• To respond to corporate mergers and improve working conditions

• To reduce the number of working hours for managers

• To promote international trade

Which early labor union was established in 1866?

• National Labor Union

• Industrial Workers of the World

• Colored National Labor Union

• American Federation of Labor

What was a significant achievement of the National Labor Union?

• Abolishing child labor

• Creating a national healthcare system

• Convincing Congress to establish an eight-hour workday for government employees

• Establishing a minimum wage

Who founded the American Federation of Labor in 1886?

• John L. Lewis

• Eugene V. Debs

• Mother Jones

• Samuel Gompers

What was the philosophy of Eugene V. Debs regarding unionism?

• Craft unionism

• Industrial unionism

• Corporate unionism

• Political unionism

What event in 1877 involved a major strike by railroad employees?

• The Pullman Strike

• The Homestead Strike

• The Haymarket Affair

• The Great Strike of 1877

What was the outcome of the Haymarket Affair?

• The establishment of a new labor union

• Increased wages for workers

• Labor leaders were accused of inciting a riot and four were hung

• A peaceful resolution

What tragic event in 1911 highlighted poor working conditions?

• The Homestead Strike

• The Great Strike of 1877

• The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire

• The Pullman Strike

What was one of the challenges faced by unions as they grew in power?

• Increased wages for all workers

• Businesses hiring inmates to prevent workers from joining unions

• Support from the government

• Lack of membership

How did the government use the Sherman Antitrust Act against workers?

• By applying it to break up labor unions

• By promoting international labor laws

• By supporting union strikes

• By providing financial aid to unions