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James Batchelor

🇺🇸 Learning About Labor Day in the U.S.🇺🇸

Labor Day (September 2, 2024) is a special holiday in the United States, celebrated on the first Monday of September. This day is dedicated to honoring the hard work and achievements of American workers. It's a time when many people enjoy the last warm days of summer, but it also has a deep history connected to workers' rights and labor unions.


Strike

Union

Wage

Federal

Holiday


a) A group of workers who join together to protect their rights

b) The amount of money a worker is paid

c) A refusal to work in protest

d) Related to the central government

e) A day of celebration or rest


Labor Day in the United States is a federal holiday observed on the first Monday in September. It was established in 1894 as a result of a nationwide strike and labor movement. The first labor unions in the US were formed in the late 1800s to protect workers' rights, particularly in the railroad and mining industries. One of the most famous strikes was the Pullman Strike, which led to the creation of Labor Day. This strike involved railroad workers protesting wage cuts and layoffs. After the strike ended, President Grover Cleveland declared Labor Day a federal holiday to ease tensions with workers. Today, Labor Day is celebrated with parades, barbecues, and other festivities, marking the unofficial end of summer.


When is Labor Day celebrated in the United States?

a) The first Monday in August

b) The last Monday in August

c) The first Monday in September

d) The last Monday in September


Why was Labor Day established as a holiday?

a) To celebrate the end of summer

b) To honor soldiers who fought in wars

c) To recognize the contributions of American workers

d) To celebrate the discovery of America


Which industry was especially involved in the first labor unions in the US?

a) The automobile industry

b) The textile industry

c) The railroad industry

d) The technology industry


What event led directly to the creation of Labor Day as a federal holiday?

a) The founding of the first American union

b) The Pullman Strike

c) The end of World War I

d) The Boston Tea Party


How do Americans typically celebrate Labor Day today?

a) With large religious ceremonies

b) By working extra hours

c) With parades and barbecues

d) By giving gifts to workers


What does the word "federal" mean in the context of the reading?

a) Local

b) Related to the central government

c) State-level

d) Private


What is a "strike"?

a) A new business opening

b) A refusal to work in protest

c) A government holiday

d) A type of union


What is a "union"?

a) A group of workers who join together to protect their rights

b) A large company

c) A public holiday

d) A national government


What does "wage" refer to?

a) The cost of goods

b) The amount of money a worker is paid

c) A type of strike

d) A holiday activity


Complete the sentence: Many workers went on _______ during the Pullman Strike.

a) vacation

b) strike

c) leave

d) holiday


Choose the correct word to complete the collocation: The Labor Day holiday is a _______ holiday.

a) state

b) private

c) federal

d) regional


Additional Resources for Learning More About Labor Day in the US

Congratulations on completing the activity! 🎉 Learning about Labor Day in the United States gives you insights into the history of workers' rights and the importance of this holiday. If you're curious to learn more, here are some additional resources you can explore:


  1. History.com - Labor Day: Visit History.com to read a detailed history of Labor Day, including its origins and how it is celebrated today.

  2. PBS LearningMedia - The Origins of Labor Day: Check out this PBS video to see a brief explanation of how Labor Day began and why it is important.

  3. National Public Radio (NPR) - Why Do We Celebrate Labor Day?: NPR has an interesting audio segment discussing the meaning and history of Labor Day.

  4. Smithsonian Magazine - The History of Labor Day: Explore the Smithsonian Magazine article for a deeper look at the history of Labor Day and how it evolved into the holiday we know today.


Keep Exploring!

Learning about Labor Day is just the beginning. Understanding the history of workers' rights and the impact of labor movements can give you a new perspective on current events and the working world today. I encourage you to continue exploring these topics—every bit of knowledge helps you become a more informed and thoughtful global citizen. Keep up the great work, and happy learning! 📚🌟

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