The Human Tradition in American Labor History is a comprehensive exploration of the American working class from the colonial period to the present. In marked contrast to most academic treatments of American labor, this book presents history through mini-biographical portraits of a diverse selection of workers. Focusing on the contributions of women and minorities and using the racial and ethnic diversity of America's working people as its starting point, The Human Tradition in American Labor History features the most up-to-date research into the experiences of American workers and labor activists in the broadest range of occupations and sectors of the economy. This book encompasses all aspects of American labor history and reveals the diversity of movements for social change, including unionism, labor politics, and race relations. Students will discover the wide spectrum of people who made labor history. These chronological biographies show how these individuals were instrumental in shaping American labor over the last 250 years. By giving a new and personal perspective to this topic, The Human Tradition in American Labor History will stimulate as well as educate students in American labor history, and American social history.