Labor movements

Definition

Organized efforts by workers to improve their wages, working conditions, hours, and rights through unions, strikes, and political action. The American labor movement grew dramatically during industrialization and achieved major gains in workplace safety, child labor laws, and collective bargaining rights.

Examples

  • The formation of the American Federation of Labor (AFL) under Samuel Gompers in 1886
  • The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire of 1911 spurring workplace safety reforms
  • The United Farm Workers led by César Chávez organizing grape boycotts in the 1960s

Related Terms

Industrialization Progressivism Reform movements Urbanization

Study This Concept

Practice labor movements with free review games in these units:

AP US History Unit 6: 1865-1898: Gilded Age