CONTENT STATEMENT
The rise of industrialization led to a rapidly expanding workforce. Labor organizations grew amidst unregulated working conditions, laissez-faire policies toward big business, and violence toward supporters of organized labor.
CONTENT ELABORATION
The rise of industrialization in the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries increased the demand for workers. With this demand, immigrants came from other countries and Americans migrated from other parts of the United States to take jobs in industrial centers.
Laissez-faire policies allowed the formation of monopolies and trusts. Conflict between corporations and labor led to the growth of labor unions. Labor unions advocated for workplace reforms such as:
- shorter work days;
- increased pay;
- safer working conditions; and
- restrictions on child labor.
Tactics employed by the labor unions to achieve their goals included:
- collective bargaining;
- strikes; and
- boycotts.
Labor organizations faced violent backlash from business owners that sometimes led to government intervention.
EXPECTATIONS FOR LEARNING
Explain the economic effects of industrialization, the growth of organized labor, and the influences of laissez-faire policies.