A History of Trade Unionism in the United States

This volume offers a sweeping overview of the rise of organized labor in America, beginning with the earliest recorded work stoppages in the mid‑1700s and tracing the first enduring unions among shoemakers and printers at the turn of the 19th century. It shows how isolated strikes gradually gave way to permanent associations that could sustain collective action beyond a single dispute, laying the groundwork for a broader labor movement.

Drawing on the pioneering research of early scholars and extending the narrative through the late‑19th century, the author examines how unions evolved amid industrial growth, legal challenges, and shifting economic conditions. The final sections weave these historical threads into a concise economic interpretation, highlighting patterns that still echo in today’s labor debates. The book balances detailed case studies with thoughtful analysis, making it a valuable guide for anyone curious about the origins and early development of American trade unionism.