The labor movement was the principal force that transforme­d misery and despair into hope and progress.

Out of its bold struggles, economic and social reform gave birth to unemployme­nt insurance, old-age pensions, government relief for the destitute and, above all, new wage levels that meant not mere survival but a tolerable life.

The captains of industry did not lead this transforma­tion; they resisted it until they were overcome.