The Gilded Age showed a large discrepancy in wealth distribution in America. The

Question

The Gilded Age showed a large discrepancy in wealth distribution in America. The rich kept getting richer and the poor, poorer. As a result of money, capitalists were able to buy favors from the government, which suffocated the working class and their efforts for labor reform. The Labor Movement, which quieted down during economic hard times, reignited, leading to the development of new, stronger, and more effective labor unions, like the American Federation of Labor. Describe the components that made the American Federation of Labor more successful compared to previous labor unions. Cite at least 3 examples of how the American Federation of Labor positively effected the working class.

Explanation / Answer

The American Federation of Labor came out to be more successful than other previous labor unions because of the below three amendments:

-       Reduction in Racism: AFL opened up to all strata’s of society be it radical or socialist, irrespective of the level of skill the individuals possessed. African American, Asians were not discriminated against. Earlier to this only skilled workers were allowed to be a part of this and the association mostly comprised of white men.

-       Reduction in Sexism: The treatment meted out to women was something similar to the discrimination faced by the black workers. Now, the AFL adopted a stricter policy for gender equality and also pushes the formation of women unions. Previously, women workers were viewed as competition or an unskilled labor reserve to keep the wages low and often opposed women’s employment altogether. This has changed drastically and has been moving fast towards an egalitarian approach.

-       Reduction in inter-union conflicts: Similar group of workers were constantly in conflict with each other through the unions. These disputes were very common often deranging the value of the federation in itself. The AFL now has adopted a more open and cooperative stand to keep everyone together and present itself as one formidable unit.

Some Examples:

1.       National Civic Federation – AFL helped and participated in the formation of the National Civic Federation. It was formed by some progressive employers who intended to avoid labor issues and disputes and develop a more harmonious and responsible workforce union.

2.       In Canada – Canadian Trades and labor Congress were assisted with money and further people support in the 1890s.

3.       Immigration restriction – AFL opposed rampant immigration from Europe for multiple reasons. It aimed to help the locals who would have been inevitably affected by this influx of labor.

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