1. Urbanization: Cities dramatically increased in size in the first few decades after the civil war.
2. Immigration: Increased jobs, expanding markets, and transportation attracted immigrants from Europe and elsewhere  
3. 1. Industrialization: Increased mechanization and mass production meant owners had less need for skilled workers. Unskilled workers were now viewed as interchangeable (they could be discarded and replaced) 

Labor Strike 

labor stoppage by large number of employees

• son of Irish immigrants, seen as a native.  In the 1870s he became the leader of the Knights of Labor. 10,000 members. Changed to 700.000 members during his time in power. 

1. railroads were going bankrupt
2. Picketed freightliners, refused to work, intimidated other workers, tried to stop railroad from running 
3. Spreaded to other states, and federal troops were called in
4. Workers eventually recieved benefits (first to pay pension)

• started as a rally for workers to recieve 8 hr days
• 1867-first 8 hr workday law passed in Illinois
• Drew sympathy to labor laws
• Inspired Mayday

• Communist manifesto
• based on idea of class struggle
• working class should exploit and overthrow capitalism

• played a big part in Haymarket Riot
• Rally drew 3000 members
• Police believe European immigrants conspired to take over government

• founded in early 1880's in Ohio
• conservative
• focused on skilled laborers 
• wanted to make agreements with businesses
• riots were last resort

• focused on organizing unskilled immigrant labor
• Goal: destroy capitalism and create socialism
• Referred as "Wobblies"