September 3, 2018 (Monday)
(From the History Channel’s web site):“The Industrial Revolution, which took place from the 18th to 19th centuries, was a period during which predominantly agrarian, rural societies in Europe and America became industrial and urban. Prior to the Industrial Revolution, which began in Britain in the late 1700s, manufacturing was often done in people’s homes, using hand tools or basic machines. Industrialization marked a shift to powered, special-purpose machinery, factories and mass production. The iron and textile industries, along with the development of the steam engine, played central roles in the Industrial Revolution, which also saw improved systems of transportation, communication and banking. While industrialization brought about an increased volume and variety of manufactured goods and an improved standard of living for some, it also resulted in often grim employment and living conditions for the poor and working classes.”
Workers began to organize and the labor movement was under way. Labor Day was established by the trade unions and little by little the day was recognized officially by the states and, finally, by the federal government. Today it is a national holiday, and unofficially marks the end of summer in our country. It is celebrated on the first Monday of September each year. Thirty countries celebrate their workers on “May Day,” May 1 each year.
The Labor movement in the United States was no doubt a strong influence in the fight against the spread of Communism back in the days when it was strong. Proponents of capitalism and organized workers find that our country makes economic progress when with honesty and integrity corporations and unions work together in the best interests of all concerned.
