Who were the Knights of Labor?

Question: Who were the Knights of Labor!?

Why are they important!? what did they achieve!?
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Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

The Knights of Labor were a precursor to labor unions, founded in Philadelphia in 1869!. They were founded with the goal of promoting an end to child labor, equal pay for women, and cooperation between employers and employees!. They were important because they were all-inclusive: women, blacks, and employers were all allowed to join!. This was extremely novel at the time!. They were also one of the first large groups in the United States that joined together to try to achieve better working conditions for the working class!. By 1886 they had over 700 000 members!.

However, they really did not achieve anything!. They had a notable success in organizing the Union Pacific Railroad strike of 1884!. However, some of their later strikes led to riots and arrests, tarnishing their reputation!. Their membership quickly dropped during the 1890's, as more labor unions, including the American Federation of Labor, arose and the group became fragmented!. The decline of the Knights of Labor is partly blamed on unclear and unorganized leadership!.

So, although they never really achieved any real success, they were a precursor to the labor organizations that led to change in later years!.Www@QuestionHome@Com