From the beginning, the American Federation of Labor (AFL) decided to be different. Rather than focus on reshaping American life and the institutions that control it, the AFL sought to improve the lives of workers by ensuring higher wages, a shorter workday, and more favorable working conditions (Holley, Jennings, & Wolters, 2009 ). The AFL also divided membership by industry, recognizing that different skilled trades had individualized needs (Holley, Jennings, & Wolters, 2009). The Haymarket Riot, the Homestead Incident and the Pullman Strike all played a part in the rise and fall of the AFL. The first event, the Haymarket Riot, was a delightful success for the fledgling AFL under Samuel Gompers (Holley, Jennings, & Wolters, 2009). The Haymarket riot sought to gain staff a shorter working week (McNamara, 2012). The revolt ended violently. Public protests against unions have been fueled by negative media press (McNamara, 2012). The labor movement as a whole suffered a serious setback due to violence that resonated negatively with the general public (McNamara, 2012). The goal of gaining a shorter working day has failed. For the AFL, however, the riot was not a complete failure. The Knights of Labor (KOL), the main trade union of the time, suffered a fatal blow. KOL union members became disillusioned with union leaders following the riot; as a result many joined the AFL (Holley, Jennings, & Wolters, 2009). The Homestead Incident was a battle between the union and a powerful corporation with government support in 1892 (History.com, 2012). The Homestead Incident began as a lockout when union workers refused to accept new labor terms stipulated by the Carnegie Ste...... middle of document ...... and Wagner Act of 1935. Excerpt from, http:// www.stfrancis.edu/content/ba/ghkickul/stuwebs/btopics/works/wagner.htmBrendel, M. (1994). The bus strike. Retrieved from http://www.lib.niu.edu/1994/ihy941208.htmlHistory. com. (2012). Farm strike. Retrieved from http://www.history.com/topics/homestead-strikeHolley, W. H., Jennings, K. M., & Wolters, R. S. (2009). The employment relations process (9th ed.). Mason, OH: Cengage Learning.McNamara, R. (2012). The Haymarket Square Riot of 1886 in Chicago. Retrieved from: http://history1800s.about.com/od/organizedlabor/a/haymarket01.htmNayab, N. (2011). A history of human resource management. Retrieved from http://www.brighthub.com/office/project-management/articles/77387.aspxPBS. (2001). The Origins of Labor Day. Retrieved from: http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/business/july-dec01/labor_day_9-2.html