The Armies of Labor: A Chronicle of the Organized Wage-Earners

"The Armies of Labor: A Chronicle of the Organized Wage-Earners" by Samuel Peter Orth is a historical account written in the early 20th century, specifically during the post-World War I era. This work meticulously chronicles the development of organized labor in America, detailing the pivotal events, movements, and legal transformations that shaped the lives and struggles of wage-earners. It explores key themes such as the impact of the Industrial Revolution on labor conditions, the evolution of trade unions, and the broader social and economic landscape that influenced the labor movement. At the start of the book, Orth outlines the historical backdrop against which the labor movement emerged, emphasizing the significance of the year 1776, marked by the Declaration of Independence and the advent of industrial innovations. The opening chapters discuss the transition from feudalism to the early stages of capitalism, highlighting the decline of independent artisans and the rise of factory labor, where workers became mere wage-earners detached from their crafts. Orth notes the establishment of early labor organizations and their formative struggles for better wages and working conditions, setting the stage for a more detailed examination of labor dynamics and organizations in subsequent chapters. This comprehensive overview establishes a firm foundation for understanding the rise of organized labor as a powerful force within American society.