A History of Trade Unionism in the United States

"A History of Trade Unionism in the United States" by Selig Perlman is an early 20th-century exploration of the rise of unions and labor activism in America, chronicling their transformation from nascent groups to structured organizations. This book gives a thorough examination of the hardships, triumphs, and setbacks encountered by workers who fought to better their lives and assert their rights during industrialization. Opening with a nod to Professor John R. Commons' labor history research, Perlman then lays out the groundwork for pre-Civil War labor movements, detailing significant strikes and the early organizations that paved the way for American unionism. He emphasizes the importance of unity among various workers, noting that laborers faced hurdles like disorganization and employer opposition, while also spotlighting pivotal moments like the first true labor strikes and the creation of lasting trade societies to show these early challenges shaped the broader labor movement.