A Level History - America - Practice Exam

What was one of the actions taken by the Knights of Labor in 1885?

1. They launched the first national strike

2. They protested against railroad layoffs

3. They negotiated terms after a mass walkout at the Wabash Railroad

4. They campaigned for legalizing child labor

The correct answer is: They negotiated terms after a mass walkout at the Wabash Railroad

One significant action taken by the Knights of Labor in 1885 was their involvement in negotiations following a mass walkout at the Wabash Railroad. This incident showcased the organization's growing influence in labor relations during a time when workers were beginning to organize on a national scale. The Wabash Railroad strike represented the Knights of Labor's approach to advocating for workers' rights through collective action and negotiation rather than through outright strikes or violence. The Knights of Labor emphasized inclusive membership, welcoming not just skilled workers but also unskilled laborers, women, and African Americans. Their strategy of negotiating directly with employers after mass walkouts was an attempt to achieve political and economic reforms that would benefit the wider labor community. This approach reflected their broader goals of attaining better working conditions, fair wages, and an eight-hour workday, which contrasted with the often militant tactics used by other labor organizations of the time. In contrast, the other options don't align with the actions taken by the Knights of Labor in 1885. They did not launch a national strike at that time, nor did they specifically protest against railroad layoffs as a singular action. Additionally, campaigning for the legalization of child labor runs counter to the Knights' broader objectives of improving working conditions and labor rights