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The Progressive Era and Labor Reforms in the United States

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The Progressive Era marked a significant shift in labor rights, with reforms that addressed the harsh conditions faced by workers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Advocacy by labor unions, the impact of the Pullman Strike, and the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire led to the establishment of safer working conditions, the eight-hour workday, and protections for women and children in the workforce. These changes were instrumental in shaping modern labor laws and improving the welfare of the working class.

Labor Conditions Prior to the Progressive Era

Before the Progressive Era, the American workforce faced harsh realities. The late 19th century, known as the Gilded Age, was marked by stark contrasts between the opulence of the wealthy and the squalor of the working class. Industrial workers toiled in unsafe conditions, often for twelve to sixteen hours a day, with scant wages and no job security. Child labor was rampant, and the absence of labor laws or unions left workers vulnerable to exploitation. The government, influenced by powerful industrialists, did little to address these inequities, setting the stage for a period of reform.
Early 20th-century factory floor with diverse workers engaged in machinery assembly, highlighting the industrial era's working conditions.

Emergence of Labor Unions and Advocacy for Workers' Rights

The Progressive Era, which lasted from the 1890s to the 1920s, was characterized by a surge in labor activism. Labor unions, such as the American Federation of Labor (AFL) and the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW), played a crucial role in advocating for workers' rights. They organized strikes and boycotts to demand fair wages, reasonable hours, and safer working conditions. While these unions often excluded immigrants and other marginalized groups, the Women’s Trade Union League (WTUL) worked to bridge the gap between middle-class reformers and working-class women, advocating for improved labor conditions for all.

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00

The ______ Era saw a need for reform due to the exploitation of workers and the prevalence of child labor.

Progressive

01

Timeframe of the Progressive Era

1890s to 1920s, a period of social activism and political reform in the US.

02

Key labor union strategies

Organized strikes and boycotts for fair wages, reasonable hours, safer conditions.

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