Question

Use the quote to answer the question.

“We mean to uphold the dignity of labor” –Knights of Labor

In 4-5 sentences, answer this question. Did labor unions succeed in this goal in the late 1800s? Why or why not? Use examples to support your answer. Make your answer simple, coherent, and intended for 9th grade.

Answer 1

They only partially succeeded in upholding the "dignity of labor" in the late 1800s. Unions like the Knights of Labor and later the AFL raised public awareness, won some gains for skilled workers (better pay and shorter hours), and pushed for reforms like the eight-hour day. But the movement also faced big setbacks — the Haymarket affair (1886) turned public opinion against unions, and strikes such as the Pullman Strike (1894) and Homestead (1892) were crushed by employers and the government. In short, unions made important progress for some workers but could not fully protect all workers from poor conditions and powerful opposition.