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New South & Labor Unrest: Industrialization, Workers, and Unions in America

This chapter explores the transformation of the New South under Henry Grady, the challenges faced by the working class - both skilled and unskilled, and the rise of labor unions. It covers the impact of industrialization, modernization, and the struggles for better rights and working conditions. The text delves into key events such as the Railroad Strike of 1877, Haymarket Square incident, and the Homestead and Pullman strikes. It also examines the role of unions in advocating for workers' rights and the government's response to labor unrest.

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New South & Labor Unrest: Industrialization, Workers, and Unions in America

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  1. W1/4/12; M 1/3/11; T 1/5/10; F 1/9/09 New South & Labor Unrest (Ch. 18.2 to 18.4; pp. 515-531)

  2. I. The New South • Henry Grady (Atlanta Constitution) • industrialization & modernization in S. • keep up w/ N. • heavy industry limited – Birmingham (Pittsburgh of S.) • new mill towns – more rural, mostly white workers, some black workers • limited growth • lack of capital • “Lost Cause”

  3. II. Working Class • skilled & unskilled • immigrant & natives • economic competition • immigrants: mostly unskilled • S&E Eur. – Italian (Catholic), Russian/Polish (Jewish, Eastern Orthodox, Catholic) • insular – ethnic neighborhoods

  4. III. Unions A. Skilled Workers • American Federation of Labor • Samuel Gompers – cigar maker • craft workers • “bread & butter” issues – practical • more successful

  5. III. Unions (cont.) B. Unskilled Workers • many troubles – diverse interests; easily replaced • influenced by socialism (later Marxism – Das Kapital, 1872) • idealistic • anti-laissez-faire • “yellow dog” contracts • used to hurt unions

  6. III. Unions (cont.) B. Unskilled Workers (cont.) 1. National Labor Union – 1866 • William Sylvis • weakened after his death 2. Knights of Labor – 1869 • Uriah Stephens, Terrence Powderley • hurt by Panic of 1873 3. Int’l Workers of World • 1890s/1900s • (IWW, “Wobblies”) • socialist

  7. IV. Labor Unrest • 100s of strikes • government role? • effectiveness? A. Railroad Strike – 1877 • “wildcat” strike • begins in Baltimore – spreads to NE & MW cities • about 100 killed at strikes • scared m-c – socialism?

  8. IV. Labor Unrest (cont.) B. Haymarket Square – Chi. – 1886 • not a strike – rally to protest 4 strikers’ death • bomb thrown – 7 police killed or wounded • police shoot – 4 protesters killed • unions tainted – radicals • m-c & gov’t: crack down on unions

  9. IV. Labor Unrest (cont.) C. Homestead – Pittsburgh – 1892 • Pinkerton detectives – management • fight b/w Pinkerton & strikers • 7 workers & 3 detectives killed • PA Gov. sends troops (about 8,000)

  10. IV. Labor Unrest (cont.) D. Pullman – Chi. – 1894 • Pullman Co. – RR cars • factory towns • lower wages, same rent – strike • mail delivery refused (on Pullman cars) • fed gov’t sends troops – interstate commerce • Pres. Cleveland involved (esp. A.G.)

  11. Closing Questions • Q: Gov’t response? • (tends to side w/ management despite laissez-faire) • Q: Why? • (worried about radicals & socialism) • Q: effectiveness? • (most effective when focused on small group and specific issues – wages, hours, conditions – and not easily replaced by strike breakers or “scabs”)

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