Uprising of the 20,000

Definition

The uprising of the 20,000 refers to a significant labor strike that occurred in 1909 when over 20,000 garment workers, mostly young immigrant women, walked off their jobs in New York City to demand better working conditions, higher wages, and the right to unionize. This event highlighted the harsh realities of labor exploitation in the garment industry and served as a pivotal moment in the fight for workers' rights and labor reforms in America.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The uprising began on November 22, 1909, as garment workers protested against low wages and unsafe working conditions in sweatshops.
2. The majority of the strikers were young Jewish and Italian immigrant women who worked long hours for meager pay.
3. The strike led to increased public awareness about labor issues and garnered support from various social reformers and organizations.
4. As a result of the uprising, some employers agreed to improve working conditions and raise wages, although not all demands were met.
5. The event laid the groundwork for future labor movements and was instrumental in advocating for labor rights legislation in the years that followed.

Review Questions

• How did the uprising of the 20,000 impact public perception of labor issues during that time?
  • The uprising of the 20,000 significantly raised public awareness about labor issues by showcasing the dire conditions that garment workers faced. As thousands of mostly immigrant women walked off their jobs demanding better wages and working conditions, it caught media attention and sparked discussions among various social reformers. This heightened visibility helped to galvanize support for labor rights and increased pressure on lawmakers to address labor reforms.
• Discuss the role of immigrant workers in the uprising of the 20,000 and how their experiences contributed to broader labor movements.
  • Immigrant workers played a central role in the uprising of the 20,000, as most of the strikers were young Jewish and Italian women who faced harsh working conditions. Their collective action not only highlighted their struggles but also underscored the exploitation that many immigrants faced in America. The experiences of these workers helped shape broader labor movements by illustrating the need for systemic changes in labor laws and workplace safety.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the uprising of the 20,000 on labor reform legislation and workers' rights in America.
  • The long-term effects of the uprising of the 20,000 were profound, as it set a precedent for future labor strikes and movements advocating for workers' rights. The heightened awareness and activism stemming from this event contributed to significant labor reform legislation in subsequent years, including wage and hour laws aimed at protecting workers. This uprising not only empowered labor unions but also established a foundation for ongoing advocacy efforts that would shape labor policies throughout the early 20th century.

Related terms

Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire: A catastrophic industrial disaster that occurred in 1911, resulting in the deaths of 146 garment workers and highlighting the dangerous working conditions in factories, prompting reforms in labor laws.

Labor Unions: Organizations formed by workers to advocate for their rights, improve working conditions, and negotiate better wages and benefits through collective bargaining.

Wage and Hour Laws: Legislation aimed at regulating minimum wage, overtime pay, and the working hours of employees to protect workers from exploitation.