Labor Struggles and Populism Flashcards
Panic of 1893
An economic depression in the United States that began in 1893 and ended in 1897. It deeply affected every sector of the economy and produced political upheaval. Continued the worst depression in the US up to that point; was one of the worst crashes for the everyday person. *Stock market crashed after people realized there was no frontier left.
Thomas Edison
Definition: One of the most important figures in the invention of electricity. Also created a company that oversaw lots of other influential inventors. **Importance: Influential in the widespread implementation of electrification. Allows people to work around the clock, especially in factories.
Louis Sullivan
Definition: An important architect who is considered the “father of skyscrapers” due to his innovation in skyscraper design. Importance: Influenced modern architecture which centralized workers and made urbanization easier - large population can be housed by building upwards, not outwards.
Horatio Alger
Definition: The author who wrote “rags to riches” stories. Importance: His books were, and still are, very influential for literature. Pushed the idea of the prosperity which capitalism brings. “Pull yourself up by your bootstraps”
Progressivism
Progressivism was a movement that came to characterize American politics from the standpoint of the middle class. It sought to bring an end to the corruption created by political bosses and their political machines by establishing more regulation on those big businesses. Overall, it addressed the industrialization, urbanization, immigration, and politics of the time with the goal of creating a safer and more prosperous country for all. - start depending on the government for help more**
Populism
Politician who seeks to govern based on the opinions of the majority. Importance: Created inconsistent policies and legislation because the population’s views constantly change.** - Does better in foriegn countries as opposed to America.
Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890
Definition: Authorized the Federal Government to institute proceedings against monopolistic trusts and to dissolve them. Importance: Designed to restore competition, but was loosely worded and failed in most cases (except for one case against unionized labor)
National Labor Union
Definition: First attempt that was designed to bring together (white, male, skilled) labor unions to work together to accomplish their common goals important to all working individuals. Importance: It showed that nationwide unionization could be accomplished in the U.S., leading to more attempts at labor unions.
(The Noble and Holy Order of the) Knights of Labor
Definition: A labor union committed to improving the working conditions of men, women, and children alike. Importance: They included workers of all skill levels, gender, and race — proving what can be possible when everyone comes together. - **Open to anyone unless you were engaged in a dishonorable profession (gambling, stock brokers, sold alcohol)
Haymarket Bombing (1886)
This was a violent confrontation between protesters and police. It took place at a knights of labor meeting on May Day. 20 people died and many were injured and it was important because it led to the demise of the Knights of the Labor as their membership dramatically dropped and led to questions about whether they were really peaceful when protesting (though it is not proven that the knights of labor had anything to do with the bombing)**
American Federation of Labor
Definition: Samuel Gompers One of the largest labor unions in the U.S. mainly for skilled workers. Developed after the fall of Knights of Labor. Importance: They are able to achieve better hours and wages for their members by personally working with business owners and government members.
William Jennings Bryan
Definition: A prominent populist democratic congressman who is famous for his speech in favor of free silver. Importance: He demonstrated that populist politics cannot be effective at the national level - style of politics was influential in other countries (russia) - looks like he doesn’t have courage to have his own opinion because of populist views
Homestead Strike
Date: 1892 Definition: Dispute between the striking Carnegie Steel workers and the Pinkerton Detectives that resulted in the intervention of state troops to settle the conflict. Importance: Direct government intervention that attempts to use the criminal justice system, but they learn that local juries will not convict local workers. - **there is no longer neutrality when entering dispute, entering on side of business and pinkerton detectives
Pullman Strike
Date: 1894 Definition: A strike of Pullman workers that shut down the railroads necessary for the U.S. government (postal work). This resulted in the U.S. military intervening and the arrest of the protestor’s leader, Eugene Debs. Importance: The 1st government usage of injunction to break a strike, which is a legal order that is enforceable by the court. If you disobey the judge’s order, you will go to jail and **won’t be tried by a jury of your peers.
Eugene V. Debs; In re Debs
Eugene Deb, leader of the Pullman Strike, ended up being arrested for his leadership in the conflict of railway workers against the U.S. military. Importance: His experience with the Pullman Strike and his subsequent jailing led him to believe that drastic action was necessary, and he became the leader of the U.S. Socialist Party.
