Unions having little success in 1871-1900

Explain why unions had little success during the period 1871-1900 in improving the economic and social position of U.S. workers.

• People believed that strikers were radical(terrorists). The bombing for the Haymarket Riot.
• When the strikers went on strike, companies could easily replace them. Ex. when the railroad workers were dissatisfied and went on strike, the railroad companies brought in new workers to replace them because the immigrants would work for a lower wage and for longer hours without complaing.
• The strikes were unsuccessful because the military (at some level) was able to step in and shut down the strikes. Ex. the railroad strike in Pittsburg. The militiamen were brought in to shut down the strike, but were unsuccessful. So President Hayes sent in the federal troops to put the violence to an end. Which successfully ended the strike.