U.S. History Since 1865: The Gilded Age, Part 04

Summary

This video script delves into the Gilded Age's labor movements, focusing on the Knights of Labor's mixed history of inclusivity and exclusivity, their role in race riots, and support for exclusionary acts against Chinese immigrants. It also covers the rise of the American Federation of Labor, led by Samuel Gompers, and its impact on industrial cities. The script recounts significant strikes, including the Homestead Strike and the Pullman Strike, highlighting the conflicts between labor and capital, and the eventual establishment of Labor Day as a national holiday in the U.S.

Takeaways

• 📚 The Knights of Labor had a complex history of inclusiveness and exclusiveness, accepting women and Black members but excluding Asians and certain professions deemed unproductive.
• 🚫 The Knights of Labor were involved in anti-Chinese activities, including supporting the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 and participating in violent acts like the Rock Springs massacre.
• 🚂 Chinese labor was crucial for building the railroads in the U.S., but after the railroads were completed, many Chinese workers were left without jobs and faced discrimination.
• 👨‍⚖️ Denis Kearney, a California populist leader, led violent attacks against Chinese immigrants and played a role in politicizing anti-Chinese sentiment, contributing to the passage of the Chinese Exclusion Act.
• 📰 Newspapers and political leaders in California blamed the Chinese for economic problems, leading to widespread discrimination and harassment against the Chinese community.
• 🗽 The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 significantly restricted Chinese immigration and denied Chinese immigrants the right to become U.S. citizens, isolating the Chinese community in America.
• 🛠️ The American Federation of Labor (AFL), founded in 1886, focused on skilled labor and higher wages, and it fought against socialism while aligning with the Democratic Party.
• ⚒️ The Homestead Strike of 1892 was a major labor conflict between steelworkers and the Carnegie Steel Company, resulting in a violent confrontation and a significant defeat for the union.
• 🚉 The Pullman Strike of 1894, led by the American Railway Union under Eugene Debs, escalated into a national conflict and was crushed by federal troops, leading to the establishment of Labor Day as a national holiday.
• 🎉 Labor Day in the United States, established in response to labor struggles, has evolved into a celebration of the end of summer rather than a commemoration of labor rights.

Q & A

What was the mixed history of inclusiveness and exclusiveness in the Knights of Labor regarding membership?

The Knights of Labor had a mixed history of inclusiveness by accepting women and blacks after 1878, but they also tolerated the segregation of assemblies in the South and excluded certain groups such as bankers, doctors, lawyers, stockholders, liquor manufacturers, and Asians from membership.

Why were bankers, doctors, lawyers, stockholders, and liquor manufacturers excluded from the Knights of Labor?

These groups were considered unproductive members of society by the Knights of Labor, which led to their exclusion from the organization.

What event in 1885 involved the Knights of Labor and the Chinese community in Tacoma, Washington?

In November 1885, a branch of the Knights of Labor in Tacoma, Washington, worked to expel the city's Chinese population, which amounted to nearly a tenth of the overall city population at the time.

What was the outcome of the Chinese labor force's importance in the construction of railroads after their expansion to the West?

Once the railroads finished expanding to the West, the Chinese labor force was abandoned on the west coast, causing problems for American workers and leading to increased animosity towards Chinese immigrants.

Who was Denis Kearney, and what was his stance on Chinese immigrants?

Denis Kearney was a California populist political leader in the late 19th century known for his nativist and racist views towards Chinese immigrants. He led violent attacks on Chinese communities and was involved in the formation of the Workingman's Party of California.

What was the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, and why was it passed?

The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 was a U.S. law that banned most Chinese immigration. It was passed due to the rise of nativism and fear that Chinese laborers would lower wage scales and bring in 'dangerous habits' associated with hedonism.

How did the American Federation of Labor (AFL) differ from the Knights of Labor in terms of membership and focus?

The AFL, founded by Samuel Gompers, was an alliance of craft unions and focused on higher wages and job security. Unlike the Knights of Labor, the AFL favored skilled immigrant workers over unskilled ones and was strict about who could join its ranks.

What was the significance of the Homestead Strike of 1892 in U.S. labor history?

The Homestead Strike was a major conflict between the Amalgamated Association of Iron and Steel Workers and the Carnegie Steel Company. It resulted in a significant defeat for the union and a setback for workers' efforts to unionize in the steel industry.

What were the main issues that workers went on strike for during the Gilded Age?

Workers during the Gilded Age typically went on strike for 'bread-and-butter' issues such as adequate pay, decent working hours, better working conditions, and an eight-hour workday.

How did the Pullman Strike of 1894 impact the establishment of Labor Day in the United States?

The Pullman Strike, which involved significant violence and worker deaths, convinced the political establishment to honor workers with a national holiday. Labor Day was established and set on the first Monday in September to avoid association with the internationalist socialist tradition of May Day.

What is the current perception of Labor Day in the United States according to the historian in the script?

According to the historian, Labor Day has evolved from a celebration of labor rights to a more patriotic holiday and a marker of the end of summer. It has become an opportunity for picnics and barbecues, and its original intent to recognize labor struggles has become less prominent.