Massachusetts AFL-CIO Scholarship Practice Exam

Which movement was characterized by women organizing for labor rights, including living wages and safe working conditions?

1. Uprising of the 20,000

2. Industrial Workers of the World

3. National Association of Manufacturers

4. United Hebrew Trades

The correct answer is: Uprising of the 20,000

The Uprising of the 20,000 refers specifically to a significant labor strike in 1909 involving female garment workers in New York City. These women organized to demand better pay, improved working conditions, and the right to unionize. The movement highlighted issues such as living wages and the necessity of safe working environments, which were particularly pressing for women in the manufacturing sector at the time. This strike not only drew attention to the struggles faced by women workers but also set a precedent for future labor movements that sought to address gender disparities in labor rights. The organizing efforts of these women were crucial in the overall labor movement, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity in advocating for workers' rights. In contrast, other options represent different movements or organizations that did not focus primarily on women's labor rights in the same way. The Industrial Workers of the World, while inclusive of all workers, did not solely mobilize around women's issues. The National Association of Manufacturers is a business association focused on advocating for manufacturers' interests rather than labor rights. The United Hebrew Trades, while significant in labor organizing within specific communities, did not encompass the broader aspect of women's rights related specifically to labor.