The Union Movement Of The Late 19Th Century Essay Example For Students

The Union Movement Of The Late 19Th Century Essay The union movement of the late 19th centuryby Eli HatchDuring 1870 through 1900 workers joined together; responding to the power of their employers caused by the growth of industrialization. The worker did not always have the luxury of leaving after eight hours of work, the right to representation, or the even the right to work in a safe environment. The working people of nineteenth century America had to unite in struggle to achieve the gains that are often taken selfishly and taken for granted today. There were many successes and failures in organized labor; the successes were often obtained through the loss of the worker, often through lost wages, jobs, or even death. We will write a custom essay on The Union Movement Of The Late 19Th Century specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now The organization structure of the union during 1870 through 1900 went through different cycles and strategies to achieve what they wanted. One of the first effective regional organized unions was the Knights of Labor formed in 1869. The knights took in not only skilled workers but also any worker that could be truly classified as a producer. The knights took their peek in 1885 when strikes against Union Pacific, Southwest System, and Wabash railroads attracted public sympathy and succeeded in preventing a reduction in wages, at this time they boasted a membership of 700,000. 1886 was a troubled year for labor relations. There were nearly 1,600 strikes involving 600,000 workers, with the eight-hour day being the important item for all of the strikes. Failure of some of the strikes and internal conflicts between the skilled workers and the unskilled led to a decline in the Knights popularity and influence. Another organization called the Federation of Organized Trades and Labor Unions created a constitution that other unions could adhere to. This constitution met in Pittsburgh on Nov. 15 1881 and was created by representatives of the cigar makers, the printers, the merchant seamen, steel workers, carpenters and local units of the Knights of Labor. One of the most important items in the constitution created by the FOTLU recommended that the legal eight-hour work day be an objective for every union to achieve. The FOTLU thus accelerated a strong national push for a shorter work week. The AFL grew from 140,000 in 1886 to nearly on million by 1900. With these strengths in numbers they often preferred striking over political action. The struggle for workers rights, wage increases and protests against wage cuts were often unsuccessful resulting in violence and death. Chicago workers were agitating for the eight-hour work day for months. On May 1st and 2nd 1886 were eighty thousand workers went on strike, bringing most of Chicagos manufacturing to a standstill. On May 3rd a fight between hundreds of strikers and non-union replacements broke out. Chicago police quickly moved in to restore order, leaving four unionists dead and many wounded. Angered by the deadly force of the police a group of anarchists called on workers to arm themselves and participate in the massive protest demonstration in Haymarket Square on May 4. Only 3,000 members assembled and started out peacefully until late evening when someone still not known to this day threw a bomb that killed seven policemen and injured 67 others. Even though no evidence was ever found about who threw the bomb four anarchists were found guilty and sentenced to death . Ever since the Haymarket square symbolized for radicals and trade unionists everywhere the injustice of a capitalistic society but also associated negatively unions as un-American, criminalistic, and violent. Many other activists died or received injuries for their cause all around the country. In July of 1877 strike riots halted the movement of U.S. railroads. After a few weeks of shutting down most of countries railroad system federal troops were sent in to try to end the nationwide strike. This resulted in more violence and death; in Chicago for example federal troops killed 30 workers and wounded over 100. On June 14, 1877 in Pennsylvania ten coal-mining activists were hanged. October 1887 the Louisiana militia shot 35 unarmed black sugar workers striking to gain a dollar-per-day wage and lynched two strike leaders. 1894 federal troops killed 34 American Railway Union members in Chicago attempting to break a strike. July 1892 three hundred Pinkerton guards helped introduce scabs into the workplace by opening fire on striking Carnegie mill steel workers, this resulted in the death of seven guards and eleven strikers. .ue021104991a175b0a34459e91b6c9fe9 , .ue021104991a175b0a34459e91b6c9fe9 .postImageUrl , .ue021104991a175b0a34459e91b6c9fe9 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .ue021104991a175b0a34459e91b6c9fe9 , .ue021104991a175b0a34459e91b6c9fe9:hover , .ue021104991a175b0a34459e91b6c9fe9:visited , .ue021104991a175b0a34459e91b6c9fe9:active { border:0!important; } .ue021104991a175b0a34459e91b6c9fe9 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .ue021104991a175b0a34459e91b6c9fe9 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .ue021104991a175b0a34459e91b6c9fe9:active , .ue021104991a175b0a34459e91b6c9fe9:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .ue021104991a175b0a34459e91b6c9fe9 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .ue021104991a175b0a34459e91b6c9fe9 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .ue021104991a175b0a34459e91b6c9fe9 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .ue021104991a175b0a34459e91b6c9fe9 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .ue021104991a175b0a34459e91b6c9fe9:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .ue021104991a175b0a34459e91b6c9fe9 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .ue021104991a175b0a34459e91b6c9fe9 .ue021104991a175b0a34459e91b6c9fe9-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .ue021104991a175b0a34459e91b6c9fe9:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: A Belief System- The Crucible EssayThe idea of demonstrations was often to get the attention of management to show that they mean business and cant be pushed around so easily. New York garment workers won the right to unionize after a seven-month strike. They secured agreements for a closed shop, and firing of all scabs. Striking miners in Idaho dynamited the Frisco Mill. Leaving it to ruins, getting the attention they wanted. The popularity and growth of unions everywhere showed companies that they are not going to walk over their workers as easily as they did in the past. Although union demonstrations resulted in workers being injured, dead or fired they set the way for unions in the future to be successful in their endeavors. These demonstrations were successful in the fact that they showed management and companies that the American worker can unite and be heard as one voice rather than a mass of passive workers that would take any injustice given to them. It is to these unions that we owe many of the benefits and rights we see and use today, such as fighting injustices such as biases and discrimination, winning the right to representation and collective bargaining, and the right for education for every child. American History Essays

Andrew Jackson A True Man of the People

Andrew Jackson A True Man of the People Abstract Andrew Jackson the 7th U.S president was born on 1767 in one of the states in the U.S. Orphaned at a young age, Jackson spent his teenage life hopping from one job to another and he even had a stint in a British Jail. At the age of only twenty four years, Jackson married Donelson Robards who was a divorcee.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Andrew Jackson: A True Man of the People specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In the dying years of the 18th century, he served in the Tennessee Constitutional Convention, House of Representatives, Senate and even in the Tennessee Supreme Court. During the battle of the Tennessee troops and the Creeks in 1812, Jackson was the commanding officer and he helped in delivering victory to the Tennessee troops. Jackson was elected as the 7th U.S President in 1828 and for the years that he was on the throne, he introduced reforms, which favored the common man from the politica l class that had existed for a long time. Andrew Jackson: A True Man of the People Introduction Andrew Jackson the 7th U.S president was born on 1767 in one of the states in the U.S. Orphaned at a young age, Jackson spent his teenage life hopping from one job to another and he even had a stint in a British Jail. At the age of only twenty four years, Jackson married Donelson Robards who was a divorcee. In the dying years of the 18th century, he served in the Tennessee Constitutional Convention, House of Representatives, Senate and even in the Tennessee Supreme Court.Advertising Looking for research paper on biography? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More During the battle of the Tennessee troops and the Creeks in 1812, Jackson was the commanding officer and he helped in delivering victory to the Tennessee troops. In the following years, Jackson’s aptitude in war was evident when he helped in the capture of two Engli shmen suspected of terrorism in Pensacola. Jackson was elected as the 7th U.S President in 1828 and for the years that he was on the throne, he introduced reforms, which favored the common man from the political class that had existed for a long time.1 The reason why Andrew Jackson is known as â€Å"A Man of the People† is the numerous reforms that he introduced to help the common person in America. Once he ascended to the throne, Jackson engineered constitutional reforms that granted him permission to carry out far-reaching reforms without being limited by the constitution. In addition to the domestic reforms, he vetoed a bill seeking to enlarge the United States Bank and constantly ensured that he was informed of any improvements in the internal affairs of the federal government. The policies  that he introduced were so popular with the working class and the plantation farmers from all over the country such that he received a landslide victory in his reelection bid in 183 2.2 Indeed, Andrew Jackson is believed to be the president who vetoed the most bills in the American History. His policy in life was that one needed to reward loyalty and to constantly ensure that he appealed to the masses. In order to ensure that he was in touch with the public, he appointed men and women who were in touch with the society as his personal advisors.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Andrew Jackson: A True Man of the People specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This was in contrast with his predecessors who only relied on their cabinet for advice. While this was laudable, it had a negative effect since most of the cabinet members were rich people who only wanted to protect their interests without being concerned on how it affected the common person. However, Jackson knew that if people were to believe that he had their best interests at heart then he had to have advisers who were closer to the peop le. 3 When he first ascended to the presidency, numerous sectional issues that had not been addressed by previous presidents existed. Many states from the South were of the opinion that they needed to retain most of their rights. However, Jackson felt that if America was to prosper then there was need to ensure that all the states were reading from the same script. Since most of the states were complaining of tariffs, he introduced a moderate tariff that was supposed to apply in all the states. Despite his good intentions, South Carolina wanted to nullify the tariff and declare it unconstitutional. However, Jackson stood his ground and forced South Carolina to adhere to the tariffs. In 1832, Jackson used his immense power to veto a charter for the Second Bank of America. Although the government claimed that the bank could lead to more investments, Jackson saw it as a mere strategy by the wealthy to increase their wealth at the expense of the poor. This forced the government to save their money in the existing banks, which then loaned it to the ordinary people. Because the federal money was in excess, the banks were forced to lend out the money in an indiscriminate manner and this led to high levels of inflation.Advertising Looking for research paper on biography? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More In order to pacify the people and stop the easy flow of money, Jackson demanded that no liquid money was to pay for any land purchase but instead gold or silver was to be used. Although this would pose problems later on, it solved the problem and this led people to believe him even the more. Jackson’s intention was well intended and it coincided with his nature of putting the interest of the people first.5 In 1830, Jackson showed another side of his caring nature when he supported the expulsion of Indians from Georgia. Although the act made him to be chastised by the West, his only consolation was that he had the support of the people. To support his actions, Jackson invoked the Indian Removal Act that had been passed in 1830. However, the American Supreme Court had passed a ruling preventing the government from expelling them but Jackson disregarded the ruling. In what later came to be known  as the Trail of Tears, government troops led close to 15,000 Indians from Georgia to their ancestral land. Indeed, a president who is ready to risk losing support from his peer countries and even disregards a court decision to support the wishes of the masses is nothing but a man of the people.6 After retiring from active politics in 1836, Jackson maintained a lively interest in national politics. In order to ensure that he was not locked from national politics and from making decisions touching on the common person, Jackson had handpicked Martin Van Buren as his successor. Buren’s election ensured that Jackson would remain in the limelight and influence major decisions. In fact, it is believed that Andrew Jackson was a major figure in white House until the time of his death on June 8, 1845. In the years before his death, Jackson prevented the reintroduction of the Second Bank of the United States Charter, which he believed would oppress the ordinary Americans. Although there are many explanations for Jackson’s interest in ordinary citizens, it is believed that his poor upbringing made him close to them. Once he ascended to the presidency, he did anything possible to ensure that they were free from oppression by the political elite.7 Conclusion Andrew Jackson is considered as one of the greatest American presidents in history. To begin with, he was the first President in the U.S to come from a poor background. Having been orphaned from a young age, Jackson had to overcome many  odds to become the American president. After spending many years with ordinary  citizens, Jackson felt closer to them and he constantly fought for their rights when he became president. On more than one occasion, Jackson risked losing the support of the States and that of other nations to fight for causes that he believed would help the poor. Even after his two terms had expired, Jackson worked behind the scenes to ensure that the bills he had blocked were not reintroduced. This can only be considered nothing but a great and pure love for the peopl e that he represented. Footnotes 1Kelly, Martin. Andrew Jackson-7th President of the United States, 2011. Web. http://americanhistory.about.com/od/andrewjackson/p/pjackson.htm 2Watson, Thomas. The Life and Times of Andrew Jackson, 1912. Press of the Jeffersonian pub. Co, 23-25. Print. 3Wilentz, Sean. Andrew Jackson, 2006. Times Books, 3-10. Print. compromise tariff was enacted to ensure that no state paid higher tariffs than others did and this increased his standing among the people who had for long had to content with uneven distribution of resources. 4 4Kelly, Martin. Andrew Jackson-7th President of the United States, 2011. Web. http://americanhistory.about.com/od/andrewjackson/p/pjackson.htm 5Wilentz, Sean. Andrew Jackson, 2006. Times Books, 3-10. Print. 6Berry, Christina. â€Å"Andrew Jackson-The Worst President the Cherokee Ever Met† All Things Cherokee, n.d. Web. allthingscherokee.com/articles_culture_events_020201.html. 7Wilentz, Sean. Andrew Jackson, 2006. Times Book s, 3-10. Print. Berry, Christina. â€Å"Andrew Jackson-The Worst President the Cherokee Ever Met† All Things Cherokee, n.d. Web. allthingscherokee.com/articles_culture_events_020201.html. Kelly, Martin. Andrew Jackson-7th President of the United States, 2011. Web. http://americanhistory.about.com/od/andrewjackson/p/pjackson.htm Watson, Thomas. The Life and Times of Andrew Jackson, 1912. Press of the Jeffersonian pub. Co, 23-25. Print. Wilentz, Sean. Andrew Jackson, 2006. Times Books, 3-10. Print.