c) Knights of Labor

The Knights of Labor, founded in 1869, was the first significant labor union in the United States. It started as a secret society and grew into a national movement, advocating for an eight-hour workday, better working conditions, and the end of child labor. Unlike other unions of its time, the Knights of Labor welcomed unskilled workers, women, and African Americans, promoting a broad labor agenda. Its inclusive approach and emphasis on worker solidarity across trades marked a significant step towards labor rights in America. Although its influence declined by the late 1880s, the Knights of Labor played a crucial role in the early labor movement.