Exploring American Histories, Value Edition, Combined Volume: Workers and Farmers in the Age of Organization 1877-1900 Flashcards

Individuals employed in jobs that do not require specialized training or skills. These workers often perform manual or repetitive tasks in industries such as manufacturing or agriculture.

Workers who possess specialized knowledge or training in a particular field, often acquired through apprenticeships, technical schools, or on-the-job experience. Examples include electricians, carpenters, and machinists.

Organizations formed by workers to protect their rights and interests. Unions negotiate with employers over wages, benefits, and working conditions, acting as a collective voice for their members.

The process by which unions and employers negotiate terms of employment. This includes discussions on wages, working hours, benefits, and other employment conditions to reach an agreement that is acceptable to both parties.

A prominent labor organization in the late 19th century that sought to unite all workers, regardless of skill level, gender, or race, to improve labor conditions and promote social reforms.

The location of a labor protest in Chicago in 1886 that turned violent when a bomb exploded, leading to the deaths of several police officers and civilians. The event became a symbol of the struggle for workers' rights and the tensions between labor and law enforcement.

A national federation of labor unions founded in 1886 by Samuel Gompers. The AFL focused on higher wages, shorter work hours, and better working conditions for its members, primarily representing skilled workers.

An 1892 industrial lockout and strike at the Carnegie Steel Company plant in Homestead, Pennsylvania. The conflict resulted in a violent clash between strikers and private security agents, highlighting the tensions between labor and management.

A nationwide railroad strike in 1894 that began at the Pullman Company in Chicago. The strike arose from wage reductions and high rent charges in company-owned housing, leading to federal intervention and highlighting labor unrest.

Also known as the "Wobblies," this international labor union was founded in 1905. The IWW aimed to unite all workers in one large union to promote revolutionary industrial unionism and advocate for workers' rights across all industries.

Members of the Grange, a farmers' organization founded in 1867 to advocate for agricultural and rural community needs. The Grangers played a significant role in promoting cooperative farming and influencing agricultural legislation.

A regulatory agency in the United States created by the Interstate Commerce Act of 1887 to oversee railroad operations and ensure fair rates and practices in the transportation industry. It was the first federal agency to regulate economic activity.

Regional organizations of farmers in the late 19th century that sought to improve agricultural conditions through cooperatives and political activism. They laid the groundwork for the Populist Party by advocating for reforms such as railroad regulation and monetary policy changes.

A proposed economic reform by the Farmers' Alliances to aid farmers by allowing them to store crops in government warehouses and obtain low-interest loans against their stored goods. This system aimed to stabilize agricultural prices and expand credit access.

Members of the Populist Party, a political movement in the late 19th century that sought to represent the interests of farmers and laborers. The Populists advocated for policies such as the free coinage of silver, direct election of senators, and government control of railroads.

A severe economic downturn in the United States that began in 1893 and led to widespread unemployment, bank failures, and industrial decline. It highlighted the vulnerability of the U.S. economy to financial panics and influenced political and economic reforms.