Heimler’s History: Labor in the Gilded Age

Introduction

• Focus on labor during the Gilded Age (1865-1898).
• Metaphor: Gilded Age described as a thin layer of gold over a turd, indicating socio-economic issues beneath wealth.

Socioeconomic Changes

• Industrial capitalism created a wealth divide.
  • Wealthy class engaged in conspicuous consumption (Veblen).
  • Example: Biltmore House built by Vanderbilt as a vacation home.
• Poor working class lived in poverty with low wages.
  • Economic turmoil during Panic of 1873 and 1893 disproportionately affected them.

Economic Context

• Mass production led to decreased prices of goods.
• Wages for working class were low but generally rising.
  • More goods and services became accessible.

Labor Conditions

• Dangerous work conditions in factories, railroads, and mines.
  • High rates of injuries and premature deaths.
• Individual workers had little power; risk of replacement by immigrants.

Rise of Labor Unions

• Workers formed unions to amplify their voices and demand changes.
• Unions used tactics like political action, slowdowns, strikes.

Significant Strikes

1. Great Railroad Strike of 1877

   • Triggered by wage cuts during a recession.
   • Spread to 11 states, shut down over 60% of railroads.
   • Federal troops intervened; ended in over 100 deaths.
   • Resulted in negotiations for better wages and conditions.

2. Pullman Strike

   • Initiated by wage cuts by Pullman company during Panic of 1893.
   • Workers on strike; Eugene V. Debs led a boycott against trains with Pullman cars.
   • Railroad owners attached Pullman cars to federal mail trains to involve the government.
   • Debs and leaders jailed; strike was broken.

Major Labor Unions

Knights of Labor

• Open to all workers, including black laborers and women.
• Aimed to dismantle trusts, monopolies, and abolish child labor.
• Declined after Haymarket Square Riot (1886) linked them to violence.

American Federation of Labor (AFL)

• Led by Samuel Gompers, focused on craft workers.
• Goals: higher wages, safer working conditions.
• Continued to grow into the next period.

Conclusion

• Encouragement to view additional resources on Unit 6.
• Mention of APUSH Ultimate Review packet for exam preparation.
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