Names: Julian Strong, Christian Colon, Donovan Bell, Brian Torrens
Answer the following questions:
- Describe what was going on at Union Square on September 5, 1882.
Answer: The first labor day celebration took place at the intersection of Broadway and 4th Ave, Union Square was built to commemorate the event - How old was Peter McGuire when he started working?
Answer: Peter McGuire started working when he was 11 years old, when his father went to fight in the Union Army - What apprenticeship skill did he learn?
Answer: The apprenticeship skill McGuire learned was carpentry. He was also a cigar maker. - What was he doing at Cooper Union?
Answer: He was attending free night classes at Cooper Union, where he met Samuel Gompers and other young activists - List some of the trades unions he helped create:
- #1 United Brotherhood of Carpenters (1881)
- #2 American Federation of Labor (1886)
- #3 Committee of Public Safety (1873)
- The May Day labor marches he led demanded what law be enforced?
Answer: On May 1st, 1886, the AFL declared “eight hours shall constitute a legal day’s labor from and after May 1, 1886.” - Read the timeline history. List and describe what your group thinks the three most important events are on that timeline, and summarize each in 1-2 sentences.
- #1 In August 1881, he held a national convention in Chicago. He also formed the United Brotherhood of Carpenters around the same time. This is important because it helped form the foundation for not only carpenters but all of the trades to unionize as well.
- #2 On May 1st 1886, the first May Day was celebrated. This event was important because it advocated for the 8 hour work day
- #3 Amongst the early 1890s, many states began to recognize Labor Day as an official holiday. On June 28th, 1894, it was declared a national holiday.
- Once again, May and Labor were created during the time when the unions were fighting for what working condition?
Answer: May and Labor day were created during the time when unions were fighting for better working conditions, including safer conditions, better pay, and less rigorous hours