How successful was organized labor in improving the position of workers in the period from 1875 to 1900? Analyze the factors that contributed to the level of success achieved.
Between the late 1800s and early 1900s, labor unions strived to improve the position of workers. Although organized labor was successful to some extent, it generally failed to achieve its objective. Some of the factors that contributed to their downfall were the techniques used by management to defeat labor, public opinions, and the lack of government support for labor. .
Companies used numerous kinds of methods in order to manipulate the rights of workers. The corporations seized the time when organized labor lacked unity. Different groups, such as the Knights and Labor and the Socialists were fighting to represent labor unions (Doc F). Different corporations were attacked by labor strikes. Many strikes" purpose is to campaign for fewer hours, from 10 hours a day to 8 hours a day and to increase wages (Doc A). In order to put an end to strikes, they sought for ways to bend the power of the workforce. They could call upon the federal courts to issue injunctions ordering the strikers to cease striking. Courts could imprison labor union leaders, such as Eugene Debs. In 1895 the Supreme Court ruled that his arrest was legal for blocking the United Post Office (Doc. H). This Supreme Court decision demonstrated that courts are the new enemy of labor unions. Employers could lock their doors against insubordinate workers, a procedure called a "lock out." Corporations could pressurize the workers to sign "yellow dog contracts" (Doc. E) which were solemn agreements not to join a labor union. .
The public was very negative about organized labor. The general public was against the Pullman Strike because of the violence that it brought. The Pullman strike of 1894 started because George Pullman, owner of a large train car company, cut wages and increased prices after the Panic of 1893.
