Massachusetts AFL-CIO Scholarship Practice Exam

Which important labor activity occurred in 1886 involving a large number of work stoppages?

1. The Great Upheaval

2. The Long Strike

3. The Labor Movement

4. The Industrial Revolution

The correct answer is: The Great Upheaval

In 1886, a significant labor activity known as the Great Upheaval took place, which involved a surge of work stoppages and strikes across various industries in the United States. This pivotal event was marked by a collective push for workers' rights, including the demand for an eight-hour workday. The Great Upheaval encapsulated a period of heightened labor activism, where numerous labor organizations and unions mobilized workers to address their grievances regarding poor working conditions, inadequate wages, and long hours. The importance of the Great Upheaval lies in its role in galvanizing the labor movement and influencing public awareness and policy concerning labor rights. The events of 1886, particularly in cities like Chicago, laid the groundwork for future labor reforms and the eventual establishment of Labor Day as a national holiday. By fostering solidarity among workers and uniting them under common goals, the Great Upheaval is recognized as a crucial moment in the history of American labor relations, reflecting the growing power and organization of the labor movement during that era.