Make sure to read complete description, focus your research between 1866-1920. And as before, make sure to cite any outside sources you use. Workers, primarily craftsmen, had formed local associations since colonial times, but as wage labor became the way by which most working people earned incomes at the time of the Industrial Revolution, it became obvious that national unions were necessary to earn higher wages and improve working conditions. The Knights of Labor (KOL), the American Federation of Labor (AFL), and the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) were the most important national labor unions during the late 19th and early 20th century. For your assignment, I want you to compare the three major unions discussed above. Since two of the unions are still active today, I want you to focus your research between 1866-1920. Here are the points of comparison you will need for each union: 1. Year Founded 2. Founder/Key Leaders 3. What kind of workers did each union attempt to organize? 4. What kind of workers did they refuse membership? 5. Philosophy/Main Goals of the union 6. Tactics taken to achieve goals (strikes, negotiations, etc…) 7. Major victories/failures/controversies (at least two specific examples) Once you finish comparing the unions answer the following question: Depending on your race/gender/skill level, which union would you be willing (or allowed) to join if you were living during this period in American History. Make sure to explain.
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