Knights of Labor

Definition

The Knights of Labor was one of the first significant labor organizations in the United States, founded in 1869, which aimed to unite all workers regardless of skill, gender, or race. The organization sought to promote social and economic reforms, including the eight-hour workday, improved working conditions, and the establishment of cooperatives. As the labor movement grew in the late 19th century, the Knights of Labor became a symbol of workers' rights and played a crucial role in advocating for labor reform.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Knights of Labor started as a secret organization to protect its members from employer retaliation and was publicly revealed in the mid-1880s.
2. They were notable for their inclusive membership policies, accepting unskilled laborers, women, and African Americans at a time when most unions excluded these groups.
3. The organization peaked in the mid-1880s with over 700,000 members but declined sharply after events like the Haymarket Affair tarnished its reputation.
4. Their advocacy for an eight-hour workday contributed significantly to labor reforms in the United States, laying groundwork for future labor movements.
5. The Knights promoted the idea of cooperative enterprises where workers would own and manage their businesses, reflecting their vision for a more equitable economy.

Review Questions

• How did the Knights of Labor approach the concept of inclusivity in its membership compared to other labor organizations of its time?
  • The Knights of Labor distinguished themselves from other labor organizations by adopting an inclusive approach to membership. They welcomed all workers regardless of skill level, gender, or race at a time when many unions primarily represented skilled tradesmen. This broad membership base allowed the Knights to advocate for a wide range of social and economic reforms that resonated with diverse groups within the workforce.
• Discuss the impact of the Haymarket Affair on public perception of the Knights of Labor and the broader labor movement.
  • The Haymarket Affair had a profound negative impact on public perception of the Knights of Labor and the entire labor movement. Following the violence that erupted during a peaceful rally advocating for workers' rights, many associated the Knights with radicalism and anarchy. This event led to a significant decline in membership and support for the organization as public sentiment turned against labor movements during that period.
• Evaluate how the goals and strategies of the Knights of Labor influenced later labor movements in America.
  • The goals and strategies of the Knights of Labor laid important groundwork for later labor movements in America. Their push for an eight-hour workday and better working conditions established key demands that would be echoed by future organizations like the American Federation of Labor. Additionally, their emphasis on worker solidarity and collective action inspired subsequent generations to organize and fight for their rights, leading to more structured approaches in labor advocacy that have shaped modern labor relations.

Related terms

American Federation of Labor: A national federation of labor unions founded in 1886 that focused on skilled workers and sought better wages, hours, and working conditions through collective bargaining.

Haymarket Affair: A violent confrontation in 1886 between police and labor protesters in Chicago that resulted in several deaths and had a lasting impact on the labor movement's public perception.

Collective Bargaining: The process by which employers and a group of employees negotiate terms of employment, including wages, hours, and working conditions.