Does the History of American Labor Cause the Current Status of Weak Class Consciousness?

Does the History of American Labor Cause the Current Status of Weak Class Consciousness?
Class consciousness – “The working class not only increases in number, it becomes concentrated in greater masses, its strength grows, and it feels that strength no more…the workers begin to form combinations…they club together…they found permanent associations.” –Karl Marx
In the 1880’s one hundred American communities grew by 100% or more.
Cities drew people who were dissatisfied with their present lives and were craving new opportunities.
Who in particular?
Immigrants from other cultures
“Farm Lads”

Late 1800’s

Most only had enough money to get them to New York, Boston, etc.
Cheap labor required in cities
Construction of roads,
houses,
buildings
Manufacturing
The groups who encountered the most hardships
Irish – 1840’s & 50’s
French Canadians – 1870’s
Italians and Eastern Europeans - 1880’s on
Low expectations for a better life, fillin...