4.2 Knights of Labor
8 min read•august 21, 2024
The emerged in the late 19th century as a powerful voice for workers' rights during rapid industrialization. They advocated for social reforms, including an 8-hour workday and the , reflecting growing discontent among the working class.
Founded in 1869, the Knights grew to become the largest labor organization of its time. Their inclusive approach, welcoming skilled and unskilled workers, women, and minorities, set them apart from other unions and shaped their significant impact on American labor history.
Origins of Knights of Labor
- Emerged as a prominent labor organization in the late 19th century United States, reflecting growing worker discontent and industrialization challenges
- Played a crucial role in shaping American labor history by advocating for workers' rights and social reforms during a period of rapid economic transformation
Founding and early years
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- Established in 1869 in Philadelphia as a secret fraternal organization to protect workers from employer retaliation
- Initially focused on garment cutters but quickly expanded to include various trades and industries
- Adopted a more public profile in 1878, abandoning secrecy to broaden its appeal and influence
Uriah Smith Stephens
- Founded the Knights of Labor and served as its first Grand Master Workman from 1869 to 1879
- Envisioned a broad-based labor organization that would unite workers across skill levels and industries
- Incorporated elements of Freemasonry into the Knights' structure and rituals, emphasizing brotherhood and mutual aid
Terence V. Powderly
- Succeeded Stephens as Grand Master Workman in 1879, serving until 1893
- Transformed the Knights into a more public and politically active organization
- Advocated for education, cooperation, and arbitration rather than as primary means of achieving workers' goals
- Played a key role in the Knights' rapid growth and increased public influence during the 1880s
Organizational structure
- Designed to create a unified labor movement that could effectively advocate for workers' interests across industries and regions
- Reflected the Knights' vision of a hierarchical yet democratic organization capable of mobilizing workers on a national scale
Local assemblies
- Formed the grassroots level of the Knights' structure, typically organized around specific trades or geographic areas
- Held regular meetings to discuss local issues, plan actions, and elect representatives to higher levels
- Provided a forum for worker education and solidarity-building activities
District assemblies
- Coordinated activities of multiple local assemblies within a geographic region
- Served as an intermediary between local assemblies and the national leadership
- Organized broader campaigns and strikes that extended beyond individual workplaces
General Assembly
- Functioned as the Knights' highest decision-making body, meeting annually to set policies and elect national officers
- Comprised delegates elected from district assemblies, ensuring representation from across the organization
- Debated and voted on major organizational decisions, including strike authorizations and political endorsements
Ideology and goals
- Centered on the concept of a more just and equitable economic system that would benefit all producers of wealth
- Aimed to improve working conditions and living standards for all workers, not just those in specific trades or industries
Producerism
- Emphasized the idea that those who produced goods and services (workers) were the true creators of wealth
- Criticized the perceived parasitic nature of bankers, speculators, and monopolists
- Advocated for a cooperative economic system that would distribute wealth more fairly among producers
Eight-hour workday
- Campaigned vigorously for the reduction of working hours from the common 10-12 hour day to 8 hours
- Argued that shorter workdays would improve workers' health, education, and family life
- Organized demonstrations and strikes to pressure employers and legislators to adopt the 8-hour standard
Abolition of child labor
- Sought to end the exploitation of children in factories, mines, and other hazardous workplaces
- Advocated for compulsory education laws to ensure children received schooling instead of working
- Linked the elimination of child labor to improving adult workers' wages and job security
Equal pay for equal work
- Promoted the principle of wage equality regardless of gender or race
- Challenged prevailing wage disparities that often saw women and minorities paid less for the same work
- Viewed equal pay as essential for maintaining labor solidarity and preventing employers from undercutting wages
Membership and growth
- Experienced rapid expansion in the 1880s, becoming the largest and most influential labor organization of its time
- Adopted an inclusive approach to membership, breaking with traditional craft union exclusivity
Skilled vs unskilled workers
- Welcomed both skilled craftsmen and unskilled laborers, unlike many contemporary unions
- Sought to unite all workers in a single organization to increase power
- Faced tensions between skilled workers seeking to protect their status and unskilled workers demanding equal representation
Inclusion of women and minorities
- Opened membership to women and African Americans, making it one of the most inclusive labor organizations of its era
- Established Women's Assemblies to address specific concerns of female workers
- Faced internal conflicts over racial integration, particularly in Southern assemblies
Peak membership numbers
- Reached its zenith in 1886 with approximately 700,000 members nationwide
- Represented a significant portion of the American workforce, giving the Knights substantial economic and political clout
- Experienced rapid decline after 1886 due to internal conflicts and external pressures
Major campaigns and strikes
- Engaged in numerous labor actions that shaped the American labor movement and public perception of organized labor
- Demonstrated both the potential and limitations of broad-based in confronting industrial capitalism
Great Southwest Railroad Strike
- Occurred in 1886, involving over 200,000 workers across multiple railroad lines in the Southwest
- Protested wage cuts and unfair labor practices by railroad magnate Jay Gould
- Ended in defeat for the Knights, exposing weaknesses in their ability to sustain prolonged strikes
Haymarket Affair
- Took place in Chicago in 1886 during a demonstration for the 8-hour workday
- Resulted in violence when a bomb was thrown at police, leading to multiple deaths
- Although not directly involved, the Knights were associated with the incident in public perception, damaging their reputation
Impact on labor movement
- Demonstrated the potential for large-scale worker mobilization across industries and regions
- Highlighted the challenges of maintaining worker solidarity in the face of employer resistance and government intervention
- Influenced the development of more narrowly focused trade unions in the aftermath of the Knights' decline
Decline and legacy
- Experienced a rapid decline in membership and influence following its peak in the late 1880s
- Left a lasting impact on American labor history and the broader struggle for workers' rights
Internal conflicts
- Struggled with ideological divisions between radical and conservative factions within the organization
- Faced challenges in reconciling the interests of skilled and unskilled workers
- Suffered from leadership disputes and financial mismanagement, eroding member confidence
Competition from AFL
- Lost members to the newly formed (AFL) which focused on skilled craft unions
- Struggled to compete with the AFL's more pragmatic approach to labor organizing and collective bargaining
- Saw many of its local assemblies defect to AFL-affiliated unions, weakening its organizational structure
Lasting influence on labor
- Pioneered the concept of industrial unionism, influencing later organizations like the Industrial Workers of the World
- Advanced the idea of worker education and cultural development as integral to the labor movement
- Contributed to the eventual adoption of many of its goals, such as the 8-hour workday and restrictions on child labor
Knights of Labor vs AFL
- Represented two distinct approaches to labor organizing in late 19th century America
- Competed for members and influence within the broader labor movement
Organizational differences
- Knights of Labor organized workers across industries and skill levels in a single organization
- AFL focused on craft-based unions, organizing skilled workers in specific trades
- Knights emphasized a centralized structure, while AFL allowed more autonomy for affiliated unions
Ideological distinctions
- Knights advocated for broad social and economic reforms, including the eventual replacement of the wage system
- AFL pursued more immediate, practical goals such as higher wages and better working conditions
- Knights emphasized education and cooperation, while AFL focused more on collective bargaining and strikes
Membership composition
- Knights welcomed all producers, including farmers, small business owners, and professionals
- AFL restricted membership primarily to skilled male workers in urban industrial settings
- Knights were more inclusive of women and minorities, while AFL initially maintained more exclusionary policies
Political involvement
- Engaged in various forms of political action to advance workers' interests and broader social reforms
- Sought to influence legislation and electoral outcomes at local, state, and national levels
Third party movements
- Supported the formation of labor-based political parties as alternatives to the two major parties
- Participated in the Greenback-Labor Party and later the People's Party (Populists)
- Aimed to elect worker-friendly candidates and advance labor-oriented legislation
Legislative lobbying efforts
- Advocated for laws regulating working conditions, limiting child labor, and establishing labor bureaus
- Pushed for monetary reforms, including the expansion of currency to benefit debtors and workers
- Supported anti-monopoly legislation to curb the power of large corporations and trusts
Relationship with major parties
- Initially maintained a non-partisan stance, seeking to influence both Democrats and Republicans
- Gradually shifted towards closer alignment with the Democratic Party, especially under Powderly's leadership
- Faced challenges in balancing political engagement with maintaining worker solidarity across party lines
Cultural impact
- Developed a distinct working-class culture that extended beyond workplace issues
- Sought to educate and uplift workers through various social and cultural programs
Labor press and publications
- Produced numerous newspapers and journals to disseminate information and promote labor ideology
- Journal of United Labor served as the Knights' official organ, reaching a wide audience of workers
- Local assemblies often published their own papers, fostering a diverse and vibrant labor press
Social and educational programs
- Established reading rooms and libraries to promote worker education and self-improvement
- Organized lectures, debates, and cultural events to build class consciousness and solidarity
- Promoted temperance and other moral reforms as part of a broader vision of worker uplift
Symbols and rituals
- Adopted elaborate rituals and symbols influenced by Freemasonry and other fraternal orders
- Used emblems like the triangle (representing their motto of "An Injury to One is the Concern of All") to foster group identity
- Conducted initiation ceremonies and used secret passwords to create a sense of brotherhood and exclusivity
International influence
- Extended its reach beyond the United States, reflecting the increasingly global nature of labor issues
- Sought to build solidarity among workers across national boundaries
Expansion to Canada
- Established a significant presence in Canada, particularly in industrial centers like Montreal and Toronto
- Organized Canadian workers across various industries, including railroads and manufacturing
- Faced challenges navigating differences in labor laws and political systems between the U.S. and Canada
Impact on global labor movements
- Inspired labor organizations in other countries, particularly in Europe and Australia
- Exchanged ideas and strategies with international labor leaders, contributing to a global dialogue on workers' rights
- Influenced the development of more inclusive and industrial-oriented unions in other nations
Cross-border solidarity efforts
- Attempted to coordinate actions between American and Canadian workers, particularly in industries that spanned the border
- Supported strikes and labor campaigns in other countries through publicity and financial assistance
- Advocated for international labor standards and regulations to prevent employers from exploiting national differences in labor laws
Key Terms to Review (21)
Abolition of child labor: The abolition of child labor refers to the movement aimed at ending the employment of children in various industries, particularly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This movement sought to protect children from exploitation and harmful working conditions, advocating for laws and reforms that would limit or eliminate their involvement in the workforce. It was a significant aspect of labor reform efforts that highlighted the need for social justice and better working conditions for all workers.
American Federation of Labor: The American Federation of Labor (AFL) was a national federation of labor unions in the United States, founded in 1886 by Samuel Gompers and others. It aimed to organize skilled workers into national unions and promote collective bargaining to improve labor conditions, connecting with various aspects of the industrial landscape, worker rights, and economic challenges of the time.
Boycotts: Boycotts are organized protests in which individuals or groups refuse to purchase goods or services from a company or country in order to express disapproval of certain practices or policies. This form of collective action is used as a means to leverage economic pressure, aiming to bring about social or political change. Boycotts have historically been employed as a strategy by labor unions, social movements, and various advocacy groups to challenge injustices and promote worker rights.
Collective bargaining: Collective bargaining is the process where employees, through their unions, negotiate with employers on various work-related issues such as wages, hours, benefits, and working conditions. This practice has been essential in shaping labor relations in the U.S., leading to better terms of employment and improved workplace standards over time.
Eight-hour workday: The eight-hour workday is a labor movement demand advocating for a standard workday of eight hours, aimed at improving working conditions and ensuring a better work-life balance for workers. This concept emerged during the late 19th century and was closely associated with labor organizations that sought to address the excessive working hours prevalent in factories and industrial jobs. The push for an eight-hour workday represented a broader struggle for workers' rights and better labor practices in an era marked by harsh working conditions.
Equal pay for equal work: Equal pay for equal work is the principle that individuals performing the same job should receive the same compensation, regardless of their gender, race, or other characteristics. This concept emerged as a response to widespread wage disparities in various industries, highlighting the need for fair and equitable treatment in the workforce. It also plays a crucial role in labor movements advocating for workers' rights and economic justice.
Great Depression: The Great Depression was a severe worldwide economic downturn that began in 1929 and lasted through the late 1930s, marked by widespread unemployment, significant declines in industrial production, and deflation. This period dramatically reshaped American society and led to major changes in government policies and labor movements.
Great Southwest Railroad Strike: The Great Southwest Railroad Strike of 1886 was a significant labor uprising that involved thousands of railroad workers in the southwestern United States, primarily against the Missouri Pacific Railroad. This strike highlighted the tensions between labor and management during the industrial era, revealing the growing influence of organized labor groups, particularly the Knights of Labor, who sought to unite workers across different trades for better wages and working conditions. The strike ultimately underscored the challenges faced by labor movements in achieving their goals amidst fierce opposition from corporations and government forces.
Haymarket Affair: The Haymarket Affair was a violent confrontation between labor protesters and police that occurred on May 4, 1886, in Chicago, Illinois, during a rally advocating for workers' rights and an eight-hour workday. This event became a symbol of the struggle between labor organizations and the government, significantly impacting early labor movements and shaping public perception of unions and anarchism in America.
Industrial Revolution: The Industrial Revolution was a period of significant economic, technological, and social change that began in the late 18th century and continued into the 19th century, marking the transition from agrarian economies to industrialized ones. This transformation was characterized by the rise of mechanization, the growth of factories, and innovations that reshaped production processes, labor dynamics, and urban landscapes.
Knights of Labor: The Knights of Labor was one of the first significant labor organizations in the United States, founded in 1869, aiming to unite all workers regardless of skill level, race, or gender to promote social and economic reform. The organization sought to address issues arising from the mechanization of production, advocating for an eight-hour workday, equal pay for equal work, and better working conditions. Its influence grew during a time when early labor organizations were gaining traction, setting the stage for future labor movements, including the American Federation of Labor.
Labor Rights: Labor rights are the legal and human rights that regulate the relationship between workers, employers, and the government. These rights ensure fair treatment, safe working conditions, and the ability to organize into unions. Labor rights play a critical role in shaping labor movements and influencing key events in industrial sectors, as well as the formation of organizations advocating for workers' interests.
Producerism: Producerism is a socio-economic ideology that emphasizes the importance of productive labor and the dignity of work, often contrasting the interests of producers with those of non-producers, such as capitalists and elites. This idea highlights a belief that those who create wealth through labor should receive more recognition and reward than those who merely profit from that labor, linking closely to the struggles for workers' rights and equitable treatment in industrial society.
Progressivism: Progressivism is a broad social and political movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, advocating for reforms to address issues caused by industrialization, urbanization, and political corruption. This movement sought to promote social justice, improve working conditions, expand democracy, and reduce the influence of monopolies and special interests in government. Progressivism encompassed various reform efforts, including labor rights, women's suffrage, and environmental protection.
Socialism: Socialism is an economic and political system in which the means of production, distribution, and exchange are owned or regulated by the community as a whole, aiming for equal distribution of wealth and resources. This ideology promotes social ownership and emphasizes the welfare of all citizens over individual profit, which connected to early labor movements seeking better working conditions and rights for workers. Socialism emerged as a response to the inequalities created by capitalism and played a significant role in shaping early labor organizations and movements.
Strikes: Strikes are organized work stoppages by employees to protest against their employers, typically aimed at improving working conditions, wages, or other labor-related issues. They are a critical tool used by labor unions to assert workers' rights and negotiate better terms with management. Strikes can significantly impact industries and economies, often leading to heightened tensions between workers and employers.
Taft-Hartley Act: The Taft-Hartley Act, officially known as the Labor Management Relations Act of 1947, is a significant piece of legislation in the United States that restricts the activities and power of labor unions. This act was designed to balance the power between unions and employers, impacting early labor organizations and their strategies, as well as shaping collective bargaining practices. By imposing limitations on union actions, it also influenced major strikes and labor disputes, as well as the formation and strategies of organizations like the Knights of Labor and the American Federation of Labor.
Terence V. Powderly: Terence V. Powderly was an influential American labor leader and politician who served as the head of the Knights of Labor from 1879 to 1893. Under his leadership, the Knights of Labor grew significantly, advocating for workers' rights and promoting reforms such as the eight-hour workday and better working conditions. His vision for labor unions emphasized inclusivity and solidarity among workers across various trades and backgrounds.
Uriah Smith Stephens: Uriah Smith Stephens was an American labor leader and one of the founding members of the Knights of Labor, a significant labor organization in the late 19th century. He played a crucial role in promoting the Knights’ ideals of worker solidarity and advocating for social reforms, such as the eight-hour workday and the end of child labor. His leadership helped shape the organization's identity and influence in American labor history.
Wagner Act: The Wagner Act, officially known as the National Labor Relations Act of 1935, is a landmark piece of legislation that aimed to protect the rights of workers and promote collective bargaining in the United States. It established the legal framework for workers to organize, join labor unions, and engage in collective bargaining without interference from employers. This act significantly influenced early labor organizations, facilitating the growth and power of unions during a crucial time in American labor history.
Worker solidarity: Worker solidarity refers to the unity and mutual support among workers in their collective efforts to advocate for their rights, interests, and welfare in the workplace. This sense of togetherness is crucial for strengthening labor movements and facilitating collective bargaining, making it a foundational element in labor organizations. It manifests through actions like strikes, demonstrations, and the establishment of unions that promote the well-being of all workers, highlighting the importance of collective action in improving labor conditions.