jan 1, 1869 - Knights of Labor

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The Knights of Labor is founded as a secret organization meant to protect members from employer retaliations. Later, they would drop the secrecy and claim 700,000 members at their height, making them America's largest labor organization. Bankers, doctors, lawyers, stockholders, liquor manufacturers, and Asians were excluded. As it grew, it served the function of a union, uniting all kinda of people in a common cause. They wanted an 8 hour work day for all workers, an end to child/convict labor, and a gradual income tax.

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