In the late 19th century, a time of major change in America, the fight for workers' rights gained momentum. It was during this time that the labor movement was born, sparking a new era for working conditions and rights. A significant part of this change can be attributed to five universities that played a crucial role in educating and inspiring the leaders of this movement. Let's take a closer look:

1. University of Wisconsin-Madison: Home to the brilliant economist Richard T. Ely, this public university became a hub for the advocacy of workers' rights. Ely's research on collective bargaining and better conditions for workers made waves, and he played a key role in shaping the thinking of influential labor leaders of the time.

2. Yale University: Yale was the alma mater of prominent thinkers who strongly backed organized labor, like William Graham Sumner and Samuel Gompers. Sumner saw unions as a way to balance power between workers and bosses, while Gompers helped create the American Federation of Labor.

3. Columbia University: Columbia, in the 1880s, was where the forward-thinking Henry George explored his ideas about fighting monopolies and introducing a single tax system. His thoughts helped guide the populist and labor movements. Samuel Gompers was also a product of Columbia's education.

4. Hampton University: A unique and historically black institution, Hampton University was the educational foundation for African American labor activists such as Booker T. Washington. Washington's work in promoting education and financial growth for black workers was vital, especially in giving a voice to those who were often overlooked during the labor movement.

5. Cornell University: At Cornell, the early faculty were vocal supporters of better conditions for both farmers and industrial workers. Free evening lectures on labor-related subjects and the education of important figures like Samuel Gompers and Morris Hillquit showcased Cornell's commitment to the labor movement during the late 1800s.

These universities didn't just provide education in the traditional sense. They created an environment that nurtured fresh thinking about labor rights and gave opportunities to working-class leaders. By doing so, they helped shape the intellectual backbone of the labor movement during a critical period in American history. Their influence still echoes today, reflecting the power of education in shaping society. Whether you are studying history, social studies, or simply interested in how change happens, understanding these universities' contributions can provide valuable insights into how we got to where we are today.