The Armies of Labor A chronicle of the organized wage-earners By: Samuel Peter Orth (1873-1922)
In "The Armies of Labor: A Chronicle of the Organized Wage-Earners," Samuel Peter Orth presents an insightful and comprehensive study of the labor movement in the United States. Drawing on extensive research and a wealth of historical sources, Orth delves deep into the struggles, triumphs, and evolution of the American working class from its inception to the early 20th century. Orth's meticulous attention to detail and his ability to condense complex historical events into coherent narratives make this book an invaluable resource for anyone interested in understanding the labor movement. The author skillfully navigates through various intersecting issues, including the growth of industrial capitalism, the rise of trade unions, and the often-violent conflicts between labor and capital. One of the book's strengths lies in Orth's ability to humanize the struggles of the working class. He artfully weaves together personal testimonies and anecdotes, giving a voice to individuals who have too often been overlooked in historical accounts. By doing so, he brings to life the everyday realities experienced by wage-earners while highlighting their resilience and determination in demanding better working conditions and fairer treatment. Orth also delves into the ideological foundations of the labor movement, offering a nuanced examination of the diverse philosophies and strategies that shaped it. From the early craft guilds to the formation of major labor unions, Orth traces the evolution of labor politics with sensitivity, exploring the tensions between radical activism, cooperative movements, and the more moderate stances adopted by some leaders to achieve incremental change. While the book excels in its portrayal of the labor movement's development, at times, it can feel overwhelming due to the sheer amount of information presented. The extensive coverage of historical events, union formations, and internal conflicts may be challenging for readers who are not already well-versed in the subject matter. Additionally, a more critical analysis of the limitations and shortcomings of the labor movement would have added depth and balance to the narrative. Nonetheless, "The Armies of Labor" is a thoroughly researched and thought-provoking exploration of the struggles, triumphs, and setbacks faced by wage-earners in their quest for better working conditions and fair wages. Orth's dedication to presenting a comprehensive historical account, coupled with his ability to make this complex topic accessible to readers, ensures that this book remains a significant contribution to the study of labor history. Whether you are a scholar, a history enthusiast, or simply someone interested in the stories of the people who built modern society, this book is a valuable resource that should not be missed. First Page: THE ARMIES OF LABOR, A CHRONICLE OF THE ORGANIZED WAGE EARNERS By Samuel P. Orth VOLUME 40 IN THE CHRONICLES OF AMERICA SERIES, ALLEN JOHNSON, EDITOR NEW HAVEN: YALE UNIVERSITY PRESS TORONTO: GLASGOW, BROOK & CO. LONDON: HUMPHREY MILFORD OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS 1919 CONTENTS I. THE BACKGROUND II. FORMATIVE YEARS III. TRANSITION YEARS IV. AMALGAMATION V. FEDERATION VI. THE TRADE UNION VII. THE RAILWAY BROTHERHOODS VIII. ISSUES AND WARFARE IX. THE NEW TERRORISM: THE I.W.W. X. LABOR AND POLITICS BIBLIOGRAPHICAL NOTE THE ARMIES OF LABOR CHAPTER I. THE BACKGROUND Three momentous things symbolize the era that begins its cycle with the memorable year of 1776: the Declaration of Independence, the steam engine, and Adam Smith's book, "The Wealth of Nations." The Declaration gave birth to a new nation, whose millions of acres of free land were to shift the economic equilibrium of the world; the engine multiplied man's productivity a thousandfold and uprooted in a generation the customs of centuries; the book gave to statesmen a new view of economic affairs and profoundly influenced the course of international trade relations. The American people, as they faced the approaching age with the experiences of the race behind them, fashioned many of their institutions and laws on British models... Continue reading book >>

The Armies of Labor A chronicle of the organized wage-earners By: Samuel Peter Orth (1873-1922)

In "The Armies of Labor: A Chronicle of the Organized Wage-Earners," Samuel Peter Orth presents an insightful and comprehensive study of the labor movement in the United States. Drawing on extensive research and a wealth of historical sources, Orth delves deep into the struggles, triumphs, and evolution of the American working class from its inception to the early 20th century.

Orth's meticulous attention to detail and his ability to condense complex historical events into coherent narratives make this book an invaluable resource for anyone interested in understanding the labor movement. The author skillfully navigates through various intersecting issues, including the growth of industrial capitalism, the rise of trade unions, and the often-violent conflicts between labor and capital.

One of the book's strengths lies in Orth's ability to humanize the struggles of the working class. He artfully weaves together personal testimonies and anecdotes, giving a voice to individuals who have too often been overlooked in historical accounts. By doing so, he brings to life the everyday realities experienced by wage-earners while highlighting their resilience and determination in demanding better working conditions and fairer treatment.

Orth also delves into the ideological foundations of the labor movement, offering a nuanced examination of the diverse philosophies and strategies that shaped it. From the early craft guilds to the formation of major labor unions, Orth traces the evolution of labor politics with sensitivity, exploring the tensions between radical activism, cooperative movements, and the more moderate stances adopted by some leaders to achieve incremental change.

While the book excels in its portrayal of the labor movement's development, at times, it can feel overwhelming due to the sheer amount of information presented. The extensive coverage of historical events, union formations, and internal conflicts may be challenging for readers who are not already well-versed in the subject matter. Additionally, a more critical analysis of the limitations and shortcomings of the labor movement would have added depth and balance to the narrative.

Nonetheless, "The Armies of Labor" is a thoroughly researched and thought-provoking exploration of the struggles, triumphs, and setbacks faced by wage-earners in their quest for better working conditions and fair wages. Orth's dedication to presenting a comprehensive historical account, coupled with his ability to make this complex topic accessible to readers, ensures that this book remains a significant contribution to the study of labor history. Whether you are a scholar, a history enthusiast, or simply someone interested in the stories of the people who built modern society, this book is a valuable resource that should not be missed.

First Page:

THE ARMIES OF LABOR,

A CHRONICLE OF THE ORGANIZED WAGE EARNERS

By Samuel P. Orth

VOLUME 40 IN THE CHRONICLES OF AMERICA SERIES, ALLEN JOHNSON, EDITOR

NEW HAVEN: YALE UNIVERSITY PRESS

TORONTO: GLASGOW, BROOK & CO.

LONDON: HUMPHREY MILFORD OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS

1919

CONTENTS

I. THE BACKGROUND II. FORMATIVE YEARS III. TRANSITION YEARS IV. AMALGAMATION V. FEDERATION VI. THE TRADE UNION VII. THE RAILWAY BROTHERHOODS VIII. ISSUES AND WARFARE IX. THE NEW TERRORISM: THE I.W.W. X. LABOR AND POLITICS

BIBLIOGRAPHICAL NOTE

THE ARMIES OF LABOR

CHAPTER I. THE BACKGROUND

Three momentous things symbolize the era that begins its cycle with the memorable year of 1776: the Declaration of Independence, the steam engine, and Adam Smith's book, "The Wealth of Nations." The Declaration gave birth to a new nation, whose millions of acres of free land were to shift the economic equilibrium of the world; the engine multiplied man's productivity a thousandfold and uprooted in a generation the customs of centuries; the book gave to statesmen a new view of economic affairs and profoundly influenced the course of international trade relations.

The American people, as they faced the approaching age with the experiences of the race behind them, fashioned many of their institutions and laws on British models... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
History
Science

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