The development of change occurred as it progressed throughout postwar America. Many people may define progress as moving forward, advancing, or growing a concept for the benefit of the people affected by it. The political leader, Terence V. Powderly, was a talented and charismatic man and created this vision of progress. Powderly himself gained national prominence in the American labor movement of the late 19th century while the country was in the midst of an economic recession. His succession to the Knights of Labor (KOL) brought America numerous socio-political effects. Importantly, ordinary workers worked 60 hours a week without pensions or compensation for injuries, which is why America had the highest rate of workplace injuries. An average of 35,000 people have died on the job due to the revelation of these deplorable working conditions. The culmination of these health risks leads directly to the emergence of unions such as the Knights of Labor run by Powderly himself. Terence V. Powderly's goal under his leadership was to unite the people of America to work to improve the nation's economy and the working and living conditions of its citizens. In a constitution adopted by the Industrial Brotherhood, he expressed his vision of what needed to be done for the workers to ensure a better life for the citizens and the progress of the country. In order for this progress to occur in post-war America, the people had to see how the country's current conditions, poverty, segregation, racism, and poor work atmosphere were hindering the potential progress of the free workforce. Furthermore, the Depression of 1873 hit the U.S. economy hard, and Powderly was one of countless workers l...... middle of paper ......Knights of Labor (KOL) was particularly affected by Haymarket.Knights of Work. (2013). In the Columbia Encyclopedia. Retrieved from http://search.credoreference.com/content/entry/columency/knights_of_labor/0 American labor organization, founded by Philadelphia tailors in 1869, led by Uriah S. Stephens. It became a body of national scope and importance in 1878 and grew most rapidly after 1881, when its previous secrecy was abandoned. (2009). In Poverty and Government in America: A Historical Encyclopedia. Retrieved from http://search.credoreference.com/content/entry/abcpga/labor_unions/0In the mid-1800s, many trades formed national unions, although these often lasted only a few years. That of the Cavalieri del Lavoro, born in 1869, was the first national union active for more than a few years; reached a peak of 700,000 subscribers 1886.