National Labor Union (NLU)

Definition

The National Labor Union (NLU) was the first significant national labor federation in the United States, established in 1866 to advocate for workers' rights and improve labor conditions. It sought to unite various labor organizations and push for reforms such as an eight-hour workday, better wages, and the end of convict labor. The NLU played a crucial role in laying the groundwork for future labor movements during the Gilded Age.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The NLU was instrumental in advocating for an eight-hour workday, which became a central demand for many labor movements during the Gilded Age.
2. It included various groups such as trade unions, farmers' organizations, and even some women’s groups, reflecting a broad coalition of interests.
3. The NLU organized a series of strikes and protests to draw attention to labor issues, which helped raise public awareness about workers' rights.
4. The federation's influence began to decline in the early 1870s due to economic downturns and internal divisions among its members.
5. Despite its eventual dissolution in 1873, the NLU laid important groundwork for future labor organizations, including the formation of the Knights of Labor and the American Federation of Labor.

Review Questions

• How did the National Labor Union aim to improve working conditions for American workers during the Gilded Age?
  • The National Labor Union aimed to improve working conditions by uniting various labor organizations and advocating for reforms such as an eight-hour workday and better wages. By coordinating efforts among different groups, the NLU was able to create a collective voice that pushed for legislative changes and raised public awareness about labor issues. Their efforts signaled a growing recognition of workers' rights during a time of rapid industrialization.
• Discuss the impact of the National Labor Union's initiatives on later labor movements in the United States.
  • The initiatives of the National Labor Union had a significant impact on later labor movements by establishing important demands like the eight-hour workday and improved wages as central tenets for subsequent organizations. Although it eventually dissolved, its foundational principles influenced groups like the Knights of Labor and the American Federation of Labor, which built upon its advocacy efforts. The NLU’s attempts to unify various sectors of workers set a precedent for future collective action.
• Evaluate how economic conditions during the Gilded Age affected the success and decline of the National Labor Union.
  • Economic conditions during the Gilded Age played a critical role in both the success and decline of the National Labor Union. Initially, rapid industrialization led to poor working conditions, which fueled public support for labor reforms championed by the NLU. However, economic downturns, such as the Panic of 1873, created divisions within the organization and weakened its influence as unemployment rose. This combination of external economic pressures and internal strife ultimately contributed to its decline, even as it laid important groundwork for future labor movements.

Related terms

Knights of Labor:

A prominent labor organization founded in 1869 that sought to unite all workers and promote social reforms, including better working conditions and equal pay.

American Federation of Labor (AFL):

A national federation of labor unions formed in 1886 that focused on organizing skilled workers and advocating for their specific interests.

Haymarket Affair:

A violent confrontation in 1886 between police and labor protesters in Chicago that became a symbol of the labor movement and its struggles for rights.