Economic and political changes affected Washington in the late 1800s and early 1900s. How did workers respond to them? Describe at least two ways they responded to these economic and political changes.(4 points)
Workers in Washington responded to the economic and political changes of the late 1800s and early 1900s in several ways. Two important ways they responded include forming labor unions and participating in strikes.
1. Forming labor unions: Workers in Washington, like in other parts of the country, formed labor unions to advocate for better working conditions, higher wages, and improved benefits. Examples of labor unions in Washington during this time period include the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) and the Western Federation of Miners. These unions provided a collective voice for workers and enabled them to negotiate with employers for better treatment.
2. Participating in strikes: Workers in Washington also responded to economic and political changes by participating in strikes to protest unfair labor practices and advocate for their rights. One notable example is the Everett Massacre of 1916, where a labor dispute between Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) members and local authorities led to a violent confrontation that resulted in the deaths of several people. This event highlighted the tensions between workers and employers during this time period and the lengths to which workers were willing to go to stand up for their rights.
Overall, workers in Washington responded to economic and political changes in the late 1800s and early 1900s by forming labor unions and participating in strikes as a way to push back against exploitation and fight for better working conditions and wages.