Terence V. Powderly

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The development of change occurred as it progressed to proceed during post-Civil War America. Many people may define progress as moving forward, advancing, or the growth of a concept for the good of the people that it affects. Political leader, Terence V. Powderly, was both a talented and charismatic man, and created this vision of progress. Powderly himself earned national spotlight in the American Labor movement of the late 19th century as the country was in the midst of economic downturn. His succession of the Knights of Labor (KOL) led America to an enumerating number socio-political effect. Importantly, common laborers worked 60 hours per week with no pensions or injury compensations, because of this America had the highest rate of Industrial injuries. An average 35,000 people died on the job because of these objectionable working conditions being exposed. The culmination of these health hazards lead directly to labor unions such as the Knights of Labor managed by Powderly himself. Terence V. Powderly’s goal under his leadership organization was to unite the peoples of America to work toward bettering the nation's economy and the working and living conditions of its citizens. In a constitution adopted by the Industrial Brotherhood, he addressed his vision of what needed to be done for workers to ensure a better life for the citizens and advancement of the country. In order for this progress to occur in post-Civil War America, the people had to see how the current conditions of the country, poverty, segregation and racism, and poor working atmosphere were hindering the potential progress of the free workforce. Furthermore, the Depression of 1873 hit the U.S. economy very hard, and Powderly was one of the countless workers l... ... middle of paper ... ...Knights of Labor (KOL) was particularly hurt by Haymarket. Knights of labor. (2013). In The Columbia Encyclopedia. Retrieved from http://search.credoreference.com/content/entry/columency/knights_of_labor/0 American labor organization, started by Philadelphia tailors in 1869, led by Uriah S.Stephens. It became a body of national scope and importance in 1878 and grew more rapidly after 1881, when its earlier secrecy was abandoned Labor unions. (2009). In Poverty and the government in America: A historical encyclopedia. Retrieved from http://search.credoreference.com/content/entry/abcpga/labor_unions/0 In the mid-1800s, many trades formed national unions, although often these lasted only a few years. The Knights of Labor, started in 1869, was the first national union that was active for more than a few years; it reached its peak membership of 700,000 in 1886.

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