Unions and StrikesKnights of LaborThe Noble and Holy Order of the Knights of Labor began in 1869, attempting to solve labor problems nonviolently. They believed that the failure of previous unions was the result of their reluctance to unite skilled and unskilled workers. Some of their goals included an eight-hour workday, stopping the use of prisoners for labor, and ending child labor. At first, the Knights of Labor did not use strikes, but came to accept them as a useful tool as the group became more radical, winning those at Union Pacific and the Wabash Railroad. However, their failed attack in the Missouri Pacific and the Haymarket Square Riot caused their influence to wane. People began to consider their demands as radical and equated them with anarchists. American Federation of Labor In 1886, Samuel Gompers united small trade-specific unions into the American Federation of Labor, which included all skilled workers. It did not unite the entire working class; skilled workers were more in demand, and keeping L's AF exclusive to them gave them more influence. Knowing that the radical nature of the Knights of Labor had led to their downfall, the AF of L chose to keep their demands simple, asking only for higher wages and better working conditions. These changes were passed unanimously and kept the organization together, with the AF of L being the largest union until the Great Depression. Industrial workers of the world The IWW began in Chicago from socialist miners and other groups who did not approve of L's AF. The IWW was led by William D. Haywood, who had participated in the Colorado mine attacks. Eugene Debs, Daniel De Leon and Mother Jones were... the focus of the paper... the anarchists tried were convicted of conspiracy. Four were hanged, one killed himself and three were later pardoned. This incident led to the end of the Knights of Labor, which was mistakenly associated with bomb throwing. It was a bad day all round. Works cited the “American Federation of Labor.” Ushistory.org. Independence Hall Association, nd Web. May 03, 2014"Andrew Carnegie." History.com. A&E and Web Television Networks. May 03, 2014."Industrial Workers of the World (IWW)." Industrial Workers of the World (IWW). Np, nd Web. May 3, 2014. “John D. Rockefeller.” History.com. A&E and Web Television Networks. May 3, 2014."JP Morgan." History.com. A&E and Web Television Networks. May 03, 2014."Knights of Labor: An Early Labor Organization." Knights of Labor: An Early Labor Organization. Np, nd Web. 03 May 2014.