Pullman Strike and Labor Movement

The video explores the evolution of trade unionism post-1877, focusing on Samuel Gompers and the American Federation of Labor (AFL). Gompers shifted from radical politics to practical unionism, emphasizing tangible benefits for workers. The AFL, formed in 1886, was a federated organization focused on practical actions. The Pullman Strike of 1894, led by Eugene V. Debs, highlighted tensions between radical and practical approaches. Gompers chose not to support a general strike, prioritizing economic power over political confrontation. The AFL's legacy is contrasted with the rise of monopoly capitalism, represented by US Steel.

What was the primary focus of Samuel Gompers' trade unionism?

• Political power and state control

• Utopian ideals and overthrowing capitalism

• International solidarity and Marxist principles

• Practical working conditions and benefits

How did the American Federation of Labor differ from the Knights of Labor?

• It aimed to overthrow capitalism

• It included small business owners

• It was a top-down organization

• It focused on practical actions and benefits

What was unique about the Pullman workers' living conditions?

• They were all skilled workers

• They worked in multiple industries

• They had high wages and benefits

• They lived in a town owned by the company

Who was Eugene V. Debs and what was his role in the Pullman Strike?

• A government official who mediated the strike

• A business owner who opposed the strike

• A journalist who reported on the strike

• A labor leader who sought to radicalize workers

What was Gompers' response to Debs' call for a general strike?

• He opposed the general strike

• He supported the general strike

• He called for political intervention

• He remained neutral

What was the outcome of the Pullman Strike for the American Railway Union?

• It merged with the AFL

• It successfully negotiated higher wages

• It was broken and ceased to exist

• It gained significant political power

What was the main reason for the federal government's intervention in the Pullman Strike?

• To promote international trade

• To maintain train traffic across the country

• To support the workers' demands

• To negotiate a settlement between parties

By the turn of the century, what did the AFL and US Steel represent?

• A return to agrarian economies

• Decentralized and unorganized labor

• Large institutions dominating industries

• Small-scale producers competing in markets

What is 'monopoly capitalism' as described in the final section?

• A system with few companies controlling industries

• A system with no government intervention

• A system focused on agricultural production

• A system with many small competing companies

What was the significance of the AFL's survival after the Pullman Strike?

• It led to the collapse of US Steel

• It marked the end of labor unions in America

• It demonstrated the power of political action

• It showed the effectiveness of organized labor