The Knights of Labor, founded in the late 19th century, was one of the first significant labor organizations in the United States. It aimed to represent a broad range of workers, and its membership criteria were relatively inclusive for the time. Here are the groups that were generally allowed in:
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Skilled and Unskilled Workers: The Knights welcomed both skilled and unskilled laborers, recognizing the importance of all workers in various industries.
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Men and Women: The organization included both male and female workers, making it one of the first labor groups to advocate for women's rights in the workplace.
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Industrial Workers: Workers from various industries, such as manufacturing, mining, and construction, were accepted as members.
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African Americans: The Knights of Labor aimed to include African American workers, although in practice this varied by region, with some local assemblies being more inclusive than others.
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Workers from Various Trades: The Knights accepted workers from different trades and occupations, including agricultural, factory, and service workers, promoting unity among diverse labor groups.
Overall, the Knights of Labor advocated for cooperative labor and social reform, which was reflected in their inclusive membership policy.
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