Activity 1A: Background- Labor History
Summary:
Students will research major labor disputes that occurred in the late 19th and early 20th century.
Standard: Strand 1- American History
Grade 7
Concept 7: Emergence of the Modern U.S., Economic, social and cultural changes
PO 6 : Describe Progressive Reforms that resulted in the Industrial Revolution:
a. Labor Unions
Concept 1: Research Skills for History
PO 7: Analyze cause and effect relationships
PO 8: Describe two point of view for the same historical event
High School
Concept 7: Emergence of the Modern U.S.
PO 1: Analyze how the following aspects of industrialization transformed the American economy beginning in the late 19th century:
d. Labor movement (e.g., Bisbee Deportation)
Activity:
- Have students write a summary of one labor conflict providing information about what happened - What did labor want? How did management respond? Were strikebreakers used and if so, how did the strikers react? What were the results of the strike?
- Have students share their strike with three or four other students.
- Students will list the commonalities and differences between their strikes.
- Create a class list of labor disputes and commonalties and differences.
- Keep the students' conclusions posted.
- Revisit the list when the class has studies the events of the Bisbee deportation and compare Bisbee with the other strikes.
Worksheet
Sources to Consult
Haymarket Riot
The Dramas of Haymarket
Jerome Deportation
Seattle General Strike