Read Samuel Gompers testimony before Congress regarding the AFL and the original platform of the Knights of Labor from the links below. What issues did labor unions attempt to resolve in the early 1900s? How successful were they at resolving these issues? Why was there such a struggle between business and labor, why was it so difficult for them to come together. Why were strikes so violent? (Not being recognized, the issues they were trying to resolve, etc.) How did labor unions improve the working conditions for American workers?

The Knights of Labor were interested in gaining large amount of followers, this allowed anyone to join, aside from the white-collar working class. Also, African Americans and women were allowed to join the union. But the AFL, formed by Samuel Gompers where meant for the middle class and skilled laborers. the Knights of Labor lacked the funds and organization, they had members who caused riots during strike protest. The lack of order of the Knights of Labor union led to the Haymarket Riot. The AFL was much more successful than the Knights of Labor were because they tried to improve working conditions and fought for reforms. Men and women worked for long hours, work was hectic and pay was small. This built up anger causing many strikes and protests. Sometimes the strikes where violent because the military where involved. They found a resolution of an eight-hour work day along with a 40-hour week, decreasing the number of hours required to work. Many people died fighting for fair working conditions and good pay.