U.S. Labour History

This articles begins a series on American slavery, providing an introduction to the topic and an overview of what lies ahead. A series bibliography is also included.

Apr 1, 2004 - Michael J. Swogger

The second of Bailey Lowenthal's two-part article on New York's 1911 tragedy, the Triangle Shirtwaiste Fire.

Mar 5, 2004 - Michael J. Swogger

This piece, dealing with the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire of 1911, was written as a term paper by a former student of mine. The first of two parts, this article centers on the pre-fire labor issues and events that place the terrible tragedy into proper context. David Von Drehle's excellent work, Triangle, was used as her primary source of information. But she does well to incorporate other sources, including the actual story from the New York Times in 1911.

Feb 19, 2004 - Michael J. Swogger

An indictment of Wal-Mart's efforts to undermine unionizing efforts and reduce the standard of living of its employees in the name of "selling for less."

Jan 17, 2004 - Michael J. Swogger

This article details the events of 1675-76 that culminated into what is now known as Bacon's Rebellion. A look into the legal and societal effects and long term legacy of this event is examined as well.

Dec 7, 2003 - Michael J. Swogger

This article gives attention to the labor aspects of the American Revolution, focusing on the contribution of urban workers, farmers, slaves, and women to the Revolutionary cause.

Oct 22, 2003 - Michael J. Swogger

A detailed piece about how integral the labor systems were to colonial America. Discussed are the three main sources of labor in what would become the United States: the American Indian, indentured servants, and African slaves.

Sep 19, 2003 - Michael J. Swogger

The second of the two-part article series on this dramatic saga of seemingly powerless women overpowering one of the most powerful companies in the country.

Aug 11, 2003 - Michael J. Swogger

The first of two articles written by Melissa Corn, a former student of mine, on the dramatic girls strike at Woolworth's in 1937. This first piece describes the origins of the strike and its first days. Part two will deal with the last days of the one-week event and the results, including the lessons to be taken for current labor struggles.

Jun 28, 2003 - Michael J. Swogger

The final article in the Laissez-faire series describing the transformation of the American economy from the Crash of '29 to the end of World War II.

Jun 16, 2003 - Michael J. Swogger

A continuation of the Laissez-Faire articles that looks at the Progressive Era reforms in favor of the American worker, followed by the subsequent rollback of such government intervention in the 1920s.

May 18, 2003 - Michael J. Swogger

The second of a three-part series looking into the myth of laissez-faire in America. This piece examines the politics and events of the post-Civil War era known as the Gilded Age, focusing on federal involvement in labor disputes and Supreme Court decisions.

Apr 6, 2003 - Michael J. Swogger

This piece is a look at laissez-faire ideology and the myth of its persistence in American history. From the beginning, the United States government has been active in the affairs of the economy, despite what some might want us to believe.

Mar 2, 2003 - Michael J. Swogger

A look into the life and success of Andrew Carnegie, including the cost of such success. An evaluation of whether people like Carnegie should be heroized is provided.

Jan 25, 2003 - Michael J. Swogger

This is a look into the real issues that have always confronted American labor, industry, and government. A series of five questions are explored to bring more relevance to American labor history itself.

Dec 22, 2002 - Michael J. Swogger

This piece examines myths and overlooked realites of American labor, past and present; specifically, purported violence of organized labor, the passage of various pro-labor legislation, and the enforcement of such laws.

Nov 14, 2002 - Michael J. Swogger

Provided is an overview of why understanding American labor history is important, as well as a general idea of what to expect from my column.

Nov 5, 2002 - Michael J. Swogger