Subject
Labor unions -- United States -- History Books
Best books
Samuel Peter Orth
The Armies of Labor: A Chronicle of the Organized Wage-Earners
"The Armies of Labor: A Chronicle of the Organized Wage-Earners" by Samuel Peter Orth is a historical account written in the early 20th century, specifically during the post-World War I era. This work meticulously chronicles the development of organized labor in America, detailing the pivotal events, movements, and legal transformations that shaped the lives and struggles of wage-earners. It explores key themes such as the impact of the Industrial Revolution on labor conditions, the evolution of trade unions, and the broader social and economic landscape that influenced the labor movement. At the start of the book, Orth outlines the historical backdrop against which the labor movement emerged, emphasizing the significance of the year 1776, marked by the Declaration of Independence and the advent of industrial innovations. The opening chapters discuss the transition from feudalism to the early stages of capitalism, highlighting the decline of independent artisans and the rise of factory labor, where workers became mere wage-earners detached from their crafts. Orth notes the establishment of early labor organizations and their formative struggles for better wages and working conditions, setting the stage for a more detailed examination of labor dynamics and organizations in subsequent chapters. This comprehensive overview establishes a firm foundation for understanding the rise of organized labor as a powerful force within American society.
Selig Perlman
A History of Trade Unionism in the United States
"A History of Trade Unionism in the United States" by Selig Perlman is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This work delves into the evolution of trade unions and labor movements in the United States, tracing their development from early beginnings to more organized efforts. Perlman aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the struggles, successes, and failures faced by laborers as they sought to improve their conditions and assert their rights in a rapidly industrializing society. The opening of the book sets the stage by acknowledging the influential labor history research led by Professor John R. Commons and his collaborators. Perlman introduces the early labor movements before the Civil War, outlining notable strikes and the formative organizations that laid the groundwork for unionism in America. He discusses the challenges faced by laborers, including the lack of cohesive organization and aggressive opposition from employers, emphasizing the importance of solidarity among workers from various trades. The author highlights key events, such as the first genuine labor strikes in the late 18th century and the establishment of permanent trade societies, illustrating how these early struggles were essential in shaping the broader labor movement that would follow.
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