In an attempt to predict the outcome of the revolution of students that is now occurring in the U.S., an analogy is drawn between a similar social revolution, the American labor union movement of 1870 to 1940. Both movements began as revolutions designed to gain equality and power for disenfranchised minorities. Although the issues disputed by labor-management differ in many respects from the demands of student rights. Basic similarities in the social and political environments surrounding the emergence of both movements include: (1) Lack of support from the established political parties, (2) presence of some support from the intellectual community, and (3) generally hostile public reactions to the movements. The labor movement eventually achieved the right to bargain collectively as equals in return for their pledge to support the established American political and economic system. The analogy suggests that resolution of the student revolt will require both a recognition of equality among the participants and a communication process similar to collective bargaining. (JH)