Initial Labor Responce

Along with many issues changes that took place during the birth of America, labor constantly progressed in society. Workers in America were largely at the mercy of their employers until the beginnings of labor groups started to arise. In the 17th and 18th century, Artisans started to form organizations that worked to keep labor costs down. As time went by, more and more organizations started to unionize with the goals of improving their working environment. But these unions couldn't exist without the support of legislature. The results of cases like Commonwealth v. Hunt recognized unions right to strike. As more unions were created, more people followed their lead resulting in social and economic change. Although these changes sometimes caused conflict like the Haymarket Square Riot, they were ultimately for the greater good. Eventually after the movement had gained enough attention, a group called the American Federation of Labor(AFL) was founded by Samuel Gompers. His organization worked with other unions to secure the liberty that was promised for them. The momentum from previous changes pushed labor unions through the troubles of war and depression. This momentum allowed for major advances like the Civil Rights Act(1964) to open the benefits of unions to everybody. American labor progressed throughout history steadily to protect and secure the liberty each person is guaranteed.