Lines where drawn in the sand as civil unrest began to develop American society in the 1850’s. Labor unions battled poor working conditions and factory owners by developing laws protecting workers rights, creating safer working conditions, and a shorter work week.
Environmental conditions in mills were unsanitary and wrecked with bacteria, vermin, and viruses causing life threatening hazards, taking the life and limb of so many loved ones, collegues and friends.
The uprising in overcrowded factories generated a new social platform advancing workers rights and the freedom of the American immigrant. Political rhetoric from Washington drove immigration towards a new western expansion and the new American dream. Gold!
Going west meant the promise of a life long adventure of taming the "Wild West". Religious freedom was abundant with new formed ministries and missions to help the west ward expansion of the American dream. This new land was for the American cattle man, rancher, farmer, and 'God Fearing Man'.
Due to drought, depleted topsoil on eastern farmlands, and overpopulated cities drove politicians to drive west ward expansion. As the call rang out, “Gold!” Dust drove cattlemen and ranchers towards a new westward expansion and dream of shaping the wilderness.
Horace Greely said, "Go west, young man, and grow up with the country." The Christian translation of the bible, “a new glory” would lead them to the “Promised Land”. News papers printed socialist views giving way to civil unrest and the picket line drawing workers to fight for their right to collective bargaining and fair wages.
Civil unrest had taken the horns of the 1850’s labor movement. African-Americans and woman throughout New York were now standing up and campaigning for the freedom of speech, and the right to vote. This new civil movement compromised the old transcendental mantras. Now was the time for labor unions to fight for workers rights, equal pay, the right to fair wages, and an eight hour work week.
