The Knights of Labor and the Haymarket Riot

By Bernadette Brexel

Book Overview

Labor unions flourished for a number of reasons: abysmal working conditions; a lack of concern for workers' safety; low pay and nonexistent benefits; and a 10-12 hour workday. The Knights of Labor, one of the strongest unions, focused on achieving an eight-hour day. After a worker was killed at a labor rally, the crowd broke out in violence. Firing into the crowd, the police killed four workers. The long-term effect of this riot was widespread fear of unionism, and a delay in the acceptance of the eight-hour day.

• Format: Library Binding
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0823940284
• ISBN13: 9780823940288
• Release Date: August 2003
• Publisher: Rosen Young Adult
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 7.3" x 8.9"
• Age Range: 10 to 13 years
• Grade Range: Grades 5 to 8