Labor History

Labor History
Student’s Name
Institutional Affiliation
Course Name and Number
Lecturer’s Name
Assignment Due Date
* Philip Randolph
A. Philip Randolph was an American labor unionist, civil rights activist, and socialist politician who spearheaded the 1941 march on the Washington movement that forced President Franklin Roosevelt to issue an executive order prohibiting racial discrimination and segregation in the defense industry, armed forces and other federal agencies. Later, under Randolph’s leadership, the movement pressured President Harry Truman to issue an executive order that ended segregation in armed services in 1948. During the march on Washington, Randolph presented six demands of the movement. First, they demanded the interest of national unity and the abolition of any law that supports discrimination based on color, religion, creed, or national origin. Second, they demanded the implementation of the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments that protected every individual's right to life, liberty, and property ownership. They also demanded legislation to enforce the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments and enact the Pepper Poll Tax bill to eliminate all the obstacles in the suffrage exercise. Fourth, they demanded the abolition of discrimination and segregation in the defense sector. Fifth, they demanded an end to discrimination in employment and job training. Lastly, the movement demanded that any agency that participated in discrimination be denied federal funds. Therefore, Randolph’s contribution in this march greatly promoted changes in the defense industries.
Eugene Debs
Eugene Debs was an American socialist, trade unionist, and political activist who co-founded the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW). History books regard him as one of the most eloquent and adamant political activists who organized the railroad union and led the Socialist Party. On June 18, 1918, Debs addressed a mass rally of workers in Ohio, knowing that his speech could lead to his arrest and imprisonment. He spoke poetically about the workers’ hardships and his belief that their suffering would result in a working-class movement that would overturn the unjust society. Debs also defended socialism as a moral movement. In his speech, he particularly urged resistance to the military draft of World War 1, which, according to the federal government, incited insubordination and disloyalty in the US military and naval forces. He was later arrested and charged with ten accounts of sedition. Before the jury began its deliberations, Debs admitted to obstructing the war, claiming that he hates war and would oppose it if he stood alone. The jury found him guilty of violating the Espionage Act, which criminalized obstruction of the recruitment or enlistment service. As a public speaker, Debs was highly effective, and he earned a living primarily as a lecturer and contributor to numerous publications.
Seattle General Strike
The Seattle General Strike was a five-day general work stoppage participated by over 65,000 workers to protest against the low wages. The strike started on February 6, 1919, and ended on February 11, 1919. During this period, Seattle workers and their unions went on a general strike ...