Knights of Labor
The Knights of Labor (K of L), officially the Noble and Holy Order of the Knights of Labor, was an American labor federation that was active in the late 19th century, especially the 1880s. It operated in the United States as well in Canada, and had chapters also in Great Britain and Australia. Its most important leader was Terence V. Powderly. The Knights of Labor promoted the social and cultural uplift of the worker, and demanded the eight-hour day. In some cases it acted as a labor union, negotiating with employers, but it was never well organized or funded. It was notable in its ambition to organize across lines of gender and race and in the inclusion of both skilled and unskilled labor. After a rapid expansion in the mid-1880s, it suddenly lost its new members and became a small operation again. The Knights of Labor had served, however, as the first mass organization of the white working class of the United States.It was founded by Uriah Stephens on December 28, 1869, reached 28,000 members in 1880, then jumped to 100,000 in 1884. By 1886, 20% of all workers were affiliated, nearly 800,000 members. Its frail organizational structure could not cope as it was battered by charges of failure and violence and calumnies of the association with the Haymarket Square riot. Most members abandoned the movement in 1886–1887, leaving at most 100,000 in 1890. Many opted to join groups that helped to identify their specific needs, instead of the KOL which addressed many different types of issues. The Panic of 1893 terminated the Knights of Labor's importance. While their national headquarters closed in 1917, remnants of the Knights of Labor continued in existence until 1949, when the group's last 50-member local dropped its affiliation. Provided by Wikipedia
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1Chicago, Ill. : The Knights of Labor.v.Also available on microfilm from the Wisconsin State Historical Society.“...Knights of Labor...”
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2Published 1886Chicago, Ill. : Knights of Labor, 1886-1889.1 online resource (v.)“...Knights of Labor...”
Center for Research Libraries: Aug 14, 1886-Apr 30, May 14, Oct 8, 1887; Aug 4, 1888; Oct 19, 1889
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3Published 1882Denver, Colo. : Buchanan & Laverty, 1882-1888.8 volumes : illustrations (chiefly adv.)“...Knights of Labor. D.A. 89...”
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4Published 1882Denver, Colo. : Buchanan & Laverty, 1882-1888.1 online resource (8 volumes) : illustrations (chiefly adv.)“...Knights of Labor. D.A. 89...”
Center for Research Libraries: Dec 16, 1882-1886
Online Resource