The Knights of Labor was organized and grew to more than 700,000 members. After some of its members were accused of using violence, the Knights lost members and influence in 1890s. The American Federation of Labor (AFL) pushed for higher wages, better working conditions, and the right to bargain collectively. Many workers used strikes to achieve their goals. They refused to do their jobs until their employers agreed to certain demands.
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The Knights of Labor differed from the American Federation of Labor (AFL) primarily in their inclusive approach to membership, as they welcomed all workers regardless of skill level, gender, or race, whereas the AFL focused on skilled workers and craft unions. Additionally, the Knights sought broad social reforms and aimed for a cooperative society, while the AFL emphasized practical issues like wages, working hours, and labor conditions. This ideological difference marked their distinct approaches to labor organization and advocacy during the late 19th century.
knights of labor
The Knights advocated broad changes in society, while the AFL focused on specific workers' issues
The Knights advocated broad changes in society, while the AFL focused on specific workers' issues
As in any developing country, labor and employing companies always had their differences. The Knights of Labor group was the first well recognized labor union and it was all inclusive, meaning almost anybody (women, blacks and but not Chinese) was welcomed. I think the Chinese were admitted at a later date. After the American Federation of Labor (AFL) was formed, the Knights of Labor fell out of favor and disappeared. The major difference was the Knights of Labor formed the foundation upon which the AFL was born. Their demise was a natural evolution of the labor movement in this country. The Knights of Labor lacked good management and their inability to carry out successful strikes for their members caused their ranks to be recruited by the AFL.
As in any developing country, labor and employing companies always had their differences. The Knights of Labor group was the first well recognized labor union and it was all inclusive, meaning almost anybody (women, blacks and but not Chinese) was welcomed. I think the Chinese were admitted at a later date. After the American Federation of Labor (AFL) was formed, the Knights of Labor fell out of favor and disappeared. The major difference was the Knights of Labor formed the foundation upon which the AFL was born. Their demise was a natural evolution of the labor movement in this country. The Knights of Labor lacked good management and their inability to carry out successful strikes for their members caused their ranks to be recruited by the AFL.
As in any developing country, labor and employing companies always had their differences. The Knights of Labor group was the first well recognized labor union and it was all inclusive, meaning almost anybody (women, blacks and but not Chinese) was welcomed. I think the Chinese were admitted at a later date. After the American Federation of Labor (AFL) was formed, the Knights of Labor fell out of favor and disappeared. The major difference was the Knights of Labor formed the foundation upon which the AFL was born. Their demise was a natural evolution of the labor movement in this country. The Knights of Labor lacked good management and their inability to carry out successful strikes for their members caused their ranks to be recruited by the AFL.
The American Federation of Labor (AFL) focused on organizing skilled workers and emphasized practical, immediate gains such as better wages, hours, and working conditions through collective bargaining. In contrast, the Knights of Labor aimed for broader social reforms and included a wider range of workers, including unskilled laborers and women, advocating for an inclusive vision of labor rights and economic justice. The AFL was more pragmatic and conservative in its approach, while the Knights of Labor embraced a more radical and expansive agenda.
The Knights advocated broad changes in society, while the AFL focused on specific workers' issues
The Knights advocated broad changes in society, while the AFL focused on specific workers' issues
A common goal of both the Knights of Labor and the American Federation of Labor (AFL) was to improve labor conditions and secure better wages for workers. They aimed to advocate for workers' rights, promote fair treatment, and address issues such as long working hours and unsafe working environments. While their approaches differed, both organizations sought to unite workers to achieve these objectives through collective bargaining and organized action.