The Strike of 1916

Title: Union Song Book
Type: Book
Date: 1914
Source: Minnesota Historical Society

Description: This is a book of songs that the union used to express the point of view of the workers and the union.
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Activities:

1. The tunes for the songs in this book are all well-known melodies to most Americans. Why do you think the IWW would have chosen these tunes for the book?
   
   
   
   
   Answer: By using tunes that most people would know and simply changing the words, it would be easy for members to sing along and remember the songs. This would make it easier to use the songs at meetings and rallies for labor issues.
2. Who are the "slavers of the present" in the song?
   
   
   
   
   Answer: The song suggests that the "slavers of the present" are today's company owners and employers.
3. Why would children "bend above the whizzing wheel" in the song? What does this tell us about work and life at this time?
   
   
   
   
   Answer: This line refers to child labor, which was also a big concern during this period.
4. Why would the IWW create a songbook like this for its meetings?
   
   
   
   
   Answer: Music can often be used to bring people together. Having a songbook like this would provide a common bond for members of the IWW and a way to express their views.