The Knights of labor was the largest and one of the most important American labor organizations of the 1880s. It was founded on the 28th day of December in year 1869 by Uriah Stephens. They promoted the producers ethic of republicanism and demanded the eight-hour day, rejected socialism and anarchism and encouraged the social and cultural uplift of the workingman. In 1880, the organization reached 28,000 members and even gained more members to 100,000 in 1884. But in 1893, the knights of labor declines its membership because of public pressure, power vested in reformist factions, and employers' unwillingness to arbitrate.
They depended on charity.
