Primary
Yale University

The Statute of Laborers King Edward Iii 1351

For Students 9th - 10th
Original text of a law for controlling the wages and conditions for laborers (1351). King Edward III's law prevented laborers from demanding more wages after the Black Death caused a labor shortage.
Website
Vassar College

Vassar College: 1896: Socialism

For Students 9th - 10th
This website from Vassar College for Political Cartoons offers a look at Socialism in 1896 with special attention to the thoughts of Eugene V. Debs.
Graphic
US National Archives

Nara: A New Deal for the Arts Activist Arts

For Students 9th - 10th
The turbulence of the Great Depression is reflected in these images of workers in artwork from the NARA on this site.
Website
University of Arizona

The Promise of Gold Mountain: Southern Pacific Railroad Workers

For Students 9th - 10th
The lesser-known story of the Chinese building of the Southern Pacific Railroad in Arizona.
Lesson Plan
Library of Congress

Loc: Labor Unions and Working Conditions: United We Stand

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Think about your work environment. Are you allowed to rest periodically? Do you earn a decent wage? Can you voice your concerns without losing your job? There was a time when workers in the United States did not have basic rights such as...
Website
Digital History

Digital History: The Laboring Poor

For Students 9th - 10th
The plight of the working poor is not a new one. Read about the problems faced by unskilled workers in the mid-1800s.