The lesson for junior high and secondary social studies classes illustrates the effects of a breakdown in the functioning of one key system in an interdependent network. Based on an airline strike, the activity involves students in identifying the subsystems affected by the strike, devising solutions, and writing business reports about the…

Examines three of the changes wrought by coal mining: (1) the miner's working conditions; (2) the establishment of company towns; and (3) the violence that ensued when miners from Harlan County, Kentucky, referred to as "Bloody Harlan," tried to better their lives by joining labor unions. (CMK)

Describes a lesson plan that utilizes two primary sources, a handbill announcing the reduction in Baltimore and Ohio rail workers' wages and a list of damages to Baltimore and Ohio Railroad property, in order to determine the causes and effects of the Rail Strike of 1877. Provides the two sources and other handouts. (CMK)

Designed for use in secondary economics or other social studies classes, this kit presents instructional materials and replications of primary source documents on the development of the labor movement in America. The documents are divided into four major areas of study: the growth of organized labor, the function of a union, labor and politics,…

This activity involves students in exploring the values and issues surrounding a case study of the 1937 sit-down strike of the United Automobile Workers against General Motors at the Flint, Michigan plant. (JDH)

Devoted to the Winnipeg General Strike in 1919, this document provides social science teachers with details of the strike as well as general information on teaching about unions, labor, and working-class history. The first article, "The Winnipeg General Strike" (Doug Smith), presents the events during and prior to the Winnipeg General…

Presents a lesson plan focused on the events surrounding the 1894 Pullman railroad car strike. Reviews the particulars of the strike (the federal government used armed force to end the strike) and then presents a simulation where students role play members of the investigating presidential commission. Includes related documents. (MJP)

This booklet is part of a series of units designed to help students take and defend a position on public issues. The booklet is premised on the idea that the study of how various labor-related conflicts were resolved in the past can throw light on the problem of how they ought to be resolved here and now. That is why this particular unit looks at…