LABOR in the Gilded Age [APUSH Review Unit 6 Topic 7] Period 6: 1865-1898

Summary

This video from Heimler's History delves into the labor conditions during the Gilded Age in the United States, a period marked by stark socio-economic disparities. It contrasts the ostentatious wealth of the business elite, exemplified by the construction of the Biltmore House, with the struggles of the working class facing low wages and economic instability, particularly during financial panics. Despite these challenges, the era saw a rise in living standards due to decreased prices on common goods and increased wages. The video highlights the formation and impact of labor unions, such as the Knights of Labor and the American Federation of Labor, which fought for better wages and working conditions through various tactics, including strikes. It also recounts significant strikes like the Great Railroad Strike of 1877 and the Pullman Strike, showcasing the power of organized labor and its eventual negotiations with employers. The summary underscores the transformative role of unions in advocating for workers' rights amidst the harsh realities of industrial capitalism.

Takeaways

• 📚 The Gilded Age is characterized by a stark contrast between the wealthy and the poor, with a thin layer of 'gold' (prosperity) over a 'turd' (hardship).
• 🏰 Wealthy business owners displayed their affluence through conspicuous consumption, exemplified by the construction of the Biltmore House.
• 💰 Despite low wages, the rise of mass production led to decreased prices for common goods and an overall increase in the standard of living for many Americans.
• 🏭 The working class faced dangerous working conditions with many personal injuries and premature deaths due to the nature of their work.
• 🤝 Labor unions emerged as a powerful force to negotiate for better wages and safety standards, as individual workers had little leverage against corporate managers.
• 🚂 The Great Railroad Strike of 1877 demonstrated the power of unionized resistance, leading to negotiations and improvements in wages and working conditions.
• 🚆 The Pullman Strike showcased the solidarity of workers and the lengths employers would go to break strikes, including invoking federal intervention.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 The Knights of Labor was a national union that included black laborers and women, with goals to eliminate trusts, monopolies, and child labor.
• 💥 The Haymarket Square Riot in 1886, although not directly linked to the Knights of Labor, led to a negative public perception of labor unions and a decline in membership.
• 🔨 The American Federation of Labor (AFL), led by Samuel Gompers, aimed for higher wages and safer working conditions, and grew to have a significant impact in the following period.
• 📈 While the gap between the rich and the poor widened during the Gilded Age, there was also a general rise in the standard of living for many due to increased availability of goods and services.

Q & A

What was the Gilded Age and how did it affect labor?

The Gilded Age refers to a period in American history marked by rapid industrialization and economic growth, but also by stark social inequalities. It was characterized by a divide between the rich and the poor, with the wealthy displaying their wealth through conspicuous consumption, while the working class faced low wages and dangerous working conditions.

What is conspicuous consumption and how did it manifest during the Gilded Age?

Conspicuous consumption is the act of displaying one's wealth through ostentatious spending. During the Gilded Age, wealthy business owners like the Vanderbilts built extravagant homes, such as the Biltmore House, to showcase their wealth to society.

How did the economic downturns of the Panic of 1873 and 1893 impact the working class?

The Panic of 1873 and the Panic of 1893 led to economic turmoil, with the wealthy classes being insulated from the worst effects. In contrast, the working class experienced significant wage drops, exacerbating their already difficult living conditions.

Despite the challenges, what positive changes did the working class experience during the Gilded Age?

Despite low wages and economic instability, the working class saw improvements in their standard of living due to the rise of mass production, which lowered the prices of common goods. Additionally, wages for the working class generally increased, making more goods and services accessible to them.

What were the dangers and risks faced by workers in factories, railroads, and mines during the Gilded Age?

Workers in factories, railroads, and mines faced numerous dangers and risks, including personal injuries and premature deaths due to the hazardous nature of their work. The lack of safety standards and protections made these environments particularly perilous.

How did labor unions help address the issues faced by workers during the Gilded Age?

Labor unions provided a collective voice for workers, enabling them to negotiate for better wages and improved safety standards with factory owners. Unions used various tactics, including political action, slowdowns, and strikes, to achieve their goals.

What was the Great Railroad Strike of 1877 and what was its outcome?

The Great Railroad Strike of 1877 was a large-scale labor protest in response to wage cuts by railroad companies during a recession. The strike spread across eleven states and led to a shutdown of a significant portion of the nation's railroads. The situation escalated to violence, and federal troops were sent in to restore order. The strike resulted in over 100 deaths and ultimately led to railroad employers recognizing the power of unionized workers, leading to improved wages and working conditions.

What was the Pullman Strike and how did it influence labor relations?

The Pullman Strike was a significant labor dispute near Chicago in response to wage cuts by the Pullman Company during the Panic of 1893. The company's refusal to negotiate with union workers led to a strike that affected the entire railroad industry. The strike was broken when union leaders like Eugene V. Debs were jailed for interfering with federal mail traffic, illustrating the power struggle between labor and industry.

What were the Knights of Labor and what were their main goals?

The Knights of Labor was a national labor union that went public in 1881. It was notable for being inclusive, allowing membership to black laborers and women. The union's main goals were the destruction of trusts and monopolies and the abolition of child labor, reflecting its commitment to social justice and improved working conditions.

How did the Haymarket Square Riot in 1886 affect the Knights of Labor?

The Haymarket Square Riot, which involved a bombing during a peaceful labor protest, led to a significant decline in the Knights of Labor's public image and membership. Although the bomber was likely an anarchist unaffiliated with the union, the negative association with violence and radicalism caused a rapid decline in the union's influence.

What was the American Federation of Labor (AFL) and what were its objectives?

The American Federation of Labor (AFL) was an association of craft workers led by Samuel Gompers. By 1901, it had a million members. The AFL's objectives were similar to those of the Knights of Labor, focusing on achieving higher wages and safer working conditions for workers.

What was the broader impact of the labor movements and strikes during the Gilded Age on American society?

The labor movements and strikes during the Gilded Age highlighted the stark social and economic inequalities of the time. They also led to increased awareness and eventual policy changes regarding workers' rights, safety standards, and the role of unions in negotiating for better conditions. These events set the stage for further labor reforms in the subsequent years.