Pugs : Knights of Labor and American Fed Labor

3. How did Gompers describe the Knights of Labor? What were his chief criticisms of the union?

A social or fraternal organization that viewed themselves as grander than regular political parties and the trade unions. He claims that although they say this is their motive, they fail to practice it. He also claims that they are an artificial organization.

6. Describe the events surrounding the Haymarket Square Riot.

At the time, Chicago had a very prominent anarchist population that felt compelled to overthrow the U.S. government. During a protest regarding the supposed brutality from the authorities, Chicago police arrived and conflict rose. Out of the commotion, someone threw a dynamite which ultimately killed both civilians and officers. The trial that took place after these events were unjust and sentenced many civilians to death without proof of their direct involvement.

9. What role did Eugene V. Debs play in the Pullman Strike?

Eugene was the labor leader who helped organize the labor union. Debs was responsible for stopping the movement of Pullman train cars on the railroads, which resulted in the protest in being successfully acknowledged.

What issues did the Knights of Labor focus on? What was the catalyst of their demise?

The Knights of Labor focused on issues regarding reformation. Their main focus was concerning the rights of all labor workers of all races and genders. The Knights of Labor did not focus on political parties for they held themselves as higher than that. They focused on matters such as raising wages and less house labor. The Knights however declined in status due to being associated to the Haymarket bombing, and the fact that they allowed in unskilled workers, giving the skilled workers a feeling of superiority.

8. Evaluate the issues involved in the Pullman Strike.

The U.S. government reaction to the Pullman Strike seemed to confirm and strengthen the power that major corporations during the industrial revolution. The government decided to destroy the strike by sending in bayonetted soldiers to confront the workers. Although the government claimed that the issue was really how the protesters were blocking the passage of U.S. mail with their riot, however, whether with intent or not, the Government shows biased support to the corporations when they imprison all the protestors without a proper trial, ultimately discouraging any future workers to speak out for their rights.

2. What issues did the American Federation of Labor focus on?

The federation dealt with the idea of self governing national unions. Unlike the Knights, the federation was more focused on realism and the "right now" problems like authorizing the closed shops.

5. What was the main impact of the Great Railroad Strike of 1877 on unions?

The unions felt more motivated to act out more strikes in the future, they felt encouraged to produce militias in certain cities and most importantly, the workers gained unification and support from each other.

7. How did management handle the Homestead Strike?

They called in 300 armed detectives to "crush" the protest. The protesters were defiant and fought the detectives. 65 people were left wounded and ten were even killed.

4. Describe how Powderly's speech reflects the assessment Gompers gave of the Knights of Labor.

To confirm what Gompers said about the Knights of Labor claiming that they are higher above typical values, Powderly reveals how he sees himself as one who take the high ground regarding national disputes. Powderly, however, claims that the organization actually puts in the work rather than just preach about it like Gompers claims.