The transition of the United States from an agrarian, rural society with self-employed farmers, shopkeepers, blacksmiths, and shoemakers to one where most workers sell their labor for a wage or a salary was largely a smooth and relatively painless process.

The AFL (1886) was formed out of the frustration of workers who felt that unions, such as the Knights of Labor, were not effective in addressing everyday working issues.

The National Labor Union was one large union that directly represented workers from many trades, crafts, and industries.