The Gilded Age Part 2: Labor and Unions

Learning Targets I can explain philosophies of wealth and poverty that emerged during the Gilded Age. I can explain the formation of Unions and their successes and failures.

Philosophies of Wealth & Poverty Captains of Industry Robber Barons Fulfilled the American Dream Creative business methods that benefitted the public Philanthropy Crushed small businesses Corrupt Bribes Rebates, kickbacks Stock watering Took advantage of poor workers

Philosophies of Wealth & Poverty Herbert Spencer: “Social Darwinism” British economist Coined the term “survival of the fittest” Advocated laissez faire

Philosophies of Wealth & Poverty Russell H. Conwell “Acres of Diamonds” Christian duty to accumulate wealth Wealthy should not directly help the poor

Philosophies of Wealth & Poverty Horatio Alger Stories Common theme of rags to riches

Philosophies of Wealth & Poverty “Gospel of Wealth” Andrew Carnegie Wealthy had an obligation to the greater good of society Philanthropy Private charity through education Superiority of Anglo-Saxon race

Labor and Unions Working Conditions Sucked Low pay No safety regulations Long hours No unemployment or disability pay

Labor and Unions Working Conditions Women Children Lower class women, especially immigrants Paid by piecework Paid less Children

Labor and Unions Resistance: Origins in the Panic of 1873 The Great Railroad Strike (1877) Origins in the Panic of 1873 Begins in West Virginia Missouri Illinois Pennsylvania Maryland Polarizing Effect 1880s

Labor and Unions Unions: A possible answer Origins Collective bargaining Use of strikes & boycotts “bread and butter” v. social change (conservative v. radical)

Labor and Unions Unions: Difficulty organizing American philosophies of wealth and poverty American concepts of freedom Organization problems Skilled v. unskilled Craft v. Industrial Different cultures and languages Unlimited workforce

Labor and Unions Unions: Difficulty organizing Government opposition Injunctions Soldiers Business tactics Yellow Dog Contracts Company Towns Blacklists

Labor and Unions Early Unions: National Labor Union First national labor union Crossed industrial lines Skilled and unskilled workers Dies after the Panic of 1873

Labor and Unions Early Unions: The Knights of Labor Terrence Powderly ALL workers (almost) Progressive group Advocated 8 hour workday Sick days Restrictions on women and child labor Civil rights for blacks and others Graduated income tax Government regulation of railroads Somewhat radical 1 million members by 1886

Labor and Unions Early Unions: The Knights of Labor May 1st strikes Haymarket Square Riot Results

Labor and Unions Strikes: Homestead (1892) Carnegie steel mill in Pennsylvania Controlled by the Amalgamated Association of Iron and Steel Workers Role of Henry Clay Frick Results

Labor and Unions Early Unions: American Federation of Labor Samuel Gompers (founded in 1890) Coalition of craft unions (formed along trade lines) Conservative

Warm up: four corners Complete the analogy with one of the choices that follow. Write down your choice and your reasoning in your notebook. The Gilded age is like _________. A group of turtles sunning on a log A cheesecake Disney’s The Little Mermaid Salmon

Learning Target I can explain the formation of Unions and their successes and failures.