Labor Unions In The Early 20th Century

The latter part of the 19th century marked profound shifts in American society and the economy, driven by rapid industrialization that fundamentally altered the country. Consequently, the early 20th century confronted the repercussions of these transformations, notably the ascendancy of large corporations and their effects on different aspects of American life. This era witnessed the concentration of corporate influence, prompting apprehensions about economic disparity. These concerns spurred the formation of labor unions. Many labor unions were controlled by skilled laborers who sought to safeguard their interests and thus excluded or discriminated against new immigrants, who were largely unskilled laborers. This exclusion stemmed from a variety of factors, including racism, xenophobia, nativism, and concerns
This exclusionary stance not only alienated many Italian workers from the AFL but also fueled skepticism and distrust among them towards its affiliates like the ILGWU. In contrast, due to segregation, black immigrants were excluded from labor unions altogether Furthermore, as industrialization and economic changes swept the nation, many white workers and farmers began to view Chinese and later Japanese immigrants as symbols of poverty and social stagnation. This perception was fueled by the belief that Asians were willing to work for significantly lower wages, posing a direct threat to the economic opportunities and livelihoods of white American citizens. Consequently, a pervasive fear emerged that the presence of Asian laborers would undermine the entire economic framework, hindering upward mobility for white workers and farmers. In response to these anxieties, the labor movement played a prominent role in advocating for the exclusion of Chinese and Japanese immigrants from American society