jun 4, 1869 - Knights of Labor

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Formed as a secret organization, it became the first large Labor Union in the United States. Under leadership of Terrance V. Powderly, it attempted to include all workers (except Chinese) skilled and unskilled, in one big union. Their goals were mostly for social and economic reforms to the capitalist system. Membership reached 750,000 by mid 1880's but their credibility was reduced by being unfairly associated with anarchists & Haymarket Square. The departure of skilled workers into the AFL also diminished the Knights of Labor.

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