What role did the Knights of Labor play in the labor movement?

The Knights of Labor were indeed one of the first significant labor organizations in the United States to advocate for broad social reforms. Established in the late 19th century, they aimed to unite a diverse group of workers, including both skilled and unskilled laborers, and addressed a wide range of issues affecting workers' rights and welfare. Unlike many labor organizations that focused narrowly on workplace issues or specific industries, the Knights of Labor sought systemic changes to improve not just labor conditions, but also social justice and economic equality. They advocated for an eight-hour workday, equal pay for equal work, the abolition of child labor, and other progressive reforms that extended beyond the workplace, thereby playing a crucial role in shaping the labor movement and inspiring future unions to consider broader societal issues. This holistic approach set them apart from other contemporary labor organizations, making their impact on the labor movement significant and lasting.