Knights of Labor

Definition

The Knights of Labor was one of the most significant labor organizations in the United States during the late 19th century, founded in 1869. This group aimed to unite all workers, regardless of skill level, gender, or race, to advocate for better working conditions, fair wages, and an eight-hour workday. Their inclusive approach set them apart from other labor movements at the time, which often focused only on skilled tradesmen.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Knights of Labor grew rapidly during the 1880s, reaching a membership of nearly 800,000 at its peak in 1886.
2. Their philosophy emphasized not only better wages but also social reform, including issues like women's rights and the abolition of child labor.
3. The organization held its first major public demonstration during the May Day strikes in 1886, advocating for the eight-hour workday.
4. Following the Haymarket Affair, the Knights faced significant backlash and declining membership as they were associated with violence and radicalism.
5. The Knights of Labor ultimately dissolved in the early 1890s, largely due to internal conflicts and external pressures from competing labor organizations.

Review Questions

• How did the Knights of Labor's inclusive approach to membership distinguish it from other labor organizations of the time?
  • The Knights of Labor's inclusive approach was unique because it welcomed all workers, including unskilled laborers, women, and African Americans. This broad base of membership aimed to unite diverse groups to advocate collectively for workers' rights. In contrast, many other labor organizations primarily focused on skilled tradesmen, which limited their ability to enact widespread change across all sectors of the workforce.
• Discuss the impact of the Haymarket Affair on the reputation and effectiveness of the Knights of Labor.
  • The Haymarket Affair had a detrimental impact on the Knights of Labor's reputation. After a bomb was thrown during a labor rally in Chicago in 1886, resulting in violence and deaths, public perception shifted negatively towards labor movements. The Knights were unfairly associated with anarchism and violence despite their original goals for peaceful reform. This event contributed to a decline in membership and support for the organization as many viewed them as too radical.
• Evaluate the long-term significance of the Knights of Labor on future labor movements and organizations in America.
  • Despite its decline, the Knights of Labor laid important groundwork for future labor movements by advocating for inclusive policies and social reforms. Their efforts highlighted critical issues like workers' rights and fair wages that would continue to resonate in later organizations such as the American Federation of Labor. Additionally, their focus on political activism set a precedent for future labor strategies that combined economic objectives with broader social justice aims, shaping how unions approached negotiations and advocacy in subsequent decades.

Related terms

American Federation of Labor: A federation of labor unions founded in 1886 that primarily represented skilled workers and focused on achieving specific economic goals through collective bargaining.

Haymarket Affair: A violent confrontation in 1886 between police and labor protesters in Chicago, which became a pivotal moment in the labor movement and tarnished the reputation of the Knights of Labor.

Collective Bargaining:

The process through which workers, represented by their unions, negotiate with employers over wages, working conditions, and other employment terms.