For students studying American labour unions for OCR A-Level History, the topic can seem confusing due to its long time frame and the number of events involved. The key is to break the topic into manageable periods:
• 1865–1914: The emergence and development of labour unions.
• 1914–1918: Labour unions during the First World War.
• 1919–1939: Labour unions during the interwar years.
• The Second World War: The changing role of labour unions during wartime.
This post focuses on 1865–1914, exploring the establishment of labour unions, their aims and their impact. A supporting document on the AFL, Knights of Labour (KOL) and the Wobblies (IWW) provides further detail on these key organisations.
Exam tip: When answering questions covering a long time period, focus on change and continuity, identifying similarities and differences between events. Remember to consider the economic, social and political impacts of labour unions, using key events to support your arguments.
