Uses original source material to portray the momentous changes that took place in American labor, industry, and trade-unionism following the Civil War. Focuses on the work environment in this early age of mass production and mechanization, and shows how abusive conditions often led to labor unrest.

Revolution by machine -- Only bread, and nothing more? -- Women who work -- Children in the mills -- Tenements and sweatshops -- Who owns America? -- Bread or blood -- I love this union cause -- Rebellion on the railroads -- Dream- and reality -- A bomb at Haymarket -- Which way: Gompers of Debs? -- The Battle of Homestead -- A model town goes on strike -- Reformers and radicals -- Bread-and roses too! -- Massacre at Ludlow -- Conclusion.