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.
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The Gilded Age was marked by stark contrasts between the opulence of the wealthy and the squalor of the working class
Long Working Hours and Low Wages
Industrial workers toiled in unsafe conditions, often for twelve to sixteen hours a day, with scant wages and no job security
Rampant Child Labor
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 the harsh realities faced by the American workforce
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
Labor unions organized strikes and boycotts to demand fair wages, reasonable hours, and safer working conditions
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
The Pullman Strike highlighted the government's willingness to side with business interests over labor rights during the Progressive Era
The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire led to significant reforms and marked the beginning of modern occupational safety and health legislation
The Progressive Era saw advancements in the protection of women and children in the workforce through landmark court cases and strengthened labor laws
The Progressive Era led to the establishment of the eight-hour workday, minimum wage laws, workers' compensation, and the prohibition of the most egregious forms of child labor
Presidents Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, and Woodrow Wilson contributed to the regulation of corporations and the promotion of fair labor standards, setting a precedent for future government involvement in labor relations
The Progressive Era's legacy is evident in the labor laws and regulations that continue to protect American workers today, reflecting a significant shift in societal values towards the welfare of the working class
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The ______ Era saw a need for reform due to the exploitation of workers and the prevalence of child labor.
Progressive
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Timeframe of the Progressive Era
1890s to 1920s, a period of social activism and political reform in the US.
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Key labor union strategies
Organized strikes and boycotts for fair wages, reasonable hours, safer conditions.
