1915 - 1945 Flashcards
What was the Open Shop policy and how did it affect Trade Unions?
- ‘Open Shop’ were workplaces where union membership was not required.
- Employers used this policy to undermine unions, preventing mandatory union membership.
- Strengthened employer control.
What happened to the IWW during World War 1?
- Government used its power to harshly control and suppress radical unions.
- Espionage Act 1917 and Sedition Act 1918 used to arrest over 100 IWW leaders.
- By 1919, IWW lost much of its influence.
What was the Espionage Act and when was it?
- 1917
- WW1 law initially targeted spying but used to punish anti-war speech and actions.
- IWW leaders were arrested for anti-war speeches, leaflets, and strikes.
When was the Sedition Act and what was it?
- 1918
- Banned disloyal/abusive language about the US government, flag or military.
- Used to target IWW criticism of war policies and capitalism.
How did the First Red Scare impact Trade Unions?
- 1919–1920.
- Fear of communism after the Russian Revolution led to crackdowns on radicals.
- Many union leaders were accused of being communists.
- Strikes suppressed and union membership declined.
- Business owners used the Red Scare to justify anti-union policies
When was the Great Depression and how did it affect Trade Unions?
- 1929
- Unemployment reached 25%.
- Workers feared striking, accepted lower wages, and union membership declined.
What statistics show the growth of trade union membership from 1920 to 1945?
- 1920: 5 million.
- 1933: 3 million.
- 1940: 9 million.
- 1945: 15 million (35% of non-agricultural workforce).
When was the National Industrial Recovery Act (NIRA) and how did it impact Trade Unions?
- 1933
- Section 7 gave workers the right to unionize.
- Led to increased union membership.
- Declared unconstitutional in 1935.
When was the Wagner Act and how did it impact labour rights?
- 1935
- Guaranteed workers the right to join unions and collectively bargain.
- By 1940, 12,000 union contracts were signed
- Created National Labour Relations Board.
- Union membership doubled to 9 million by 1940.
How did the New Deal impact Trade Unions?
- Wagner Act protected union rights.
- Banned unfair labour practices.
- first time the government actively supported workers’ rights.
- Union membership grew from 3.5 million (1933) to 9 million (1940).
When was the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) formed?
1935.
Why was the CIO formed and how did it differ from the AFL?
- AFL focused on skilled workers
- CIO organized unskilled, minority, and industrial workers.
- Led by John L. Lewis.
When was the Flint Sit-Down Strike and what happened?
- 1936–37.
- workers demanded: union recognition, better wages, improved conditions
- General Motors workers occupied the factories instead of walking out, which stopped production and prevented replacement workers
- Michigan Governor refused to use troops, contrast to previous strikes
- GM recognized the United Auto Workers after 44 days
What were the successes of the CIO
- included unskilled workers, women and AA
- Flint-sit-down strike 1937
- 6 million members by 1945
- secured better wages, lower hours and job security through collective bargaining
Why was the Flint Sit-Down Strike significant?
- Victory for Congress of Industrial Organisations
- first time a corporation recognised a union for unskilled workers
- sit-down tactic proved effective
- mass unionisation of workers across auto industry
When was the Fair Labor Standards Act and what protections did it introduce?
- 1938
- Established minimum wage (25 cents/hour)
- maximum 44-hour workweek
- banned child labour.
How did World War II impact Trade Unions?
- Union membership rose to 15 million.
- ‘No-strike’ pledges supported war effort.
- More women and Black workers joined, despite discrimination.
When was the Smith-Connally Act and how did it affect Trade Unions?
- 1943
- Allowed government to seize industries to prevent strikes.
- Limited union power in key wartime sectors.
How was WWII a turning point for Trade Unions?
- Membership grew (15 million by 1945).
- The government worked with unions to avoid strikes and maintain war production, giving unions official recognition
- Creation of National War Labor Board (1942) which mediated disputes, stablised wages and working conditions
- more AA and women
How was WWII not a turning point for Trade Unions?
- Smith-Connally Act allowed gov to seize industries, preventing union freedom
- Many unions remained segregated.
- “No-strike” pledges meant unions could not pressure employers over wages or conditions
- temporary success due to renewed hostility during cold war
