LABOUR 1900-1920S Flashcards
How did WWI impact union membership and unrest?
During World War I union membership rose from 2.7 million to 5 million. Increasing unrest after war as soldiers returned. In 1919 3630 strikes held, racial violence in Chicago led to property destruction and stoppages in Seattle.
What hostilities renewed after WWI?
After World War I nativism increased with exclusion of immigrants from unions and employers increasingly suspicious.
Why did A Philip Randolph form the BSCP?
A Philip Randolph set BSCP, Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters and Maids, 25 August 1925, Harlem, where 500 workers met. Pullman Company biggest employer of African Americans, workers relied on tips, 10% of work unpaid, half of income went to uniform and lodging, and workers could ride half fare on days off but not in most luxurious Pullman coaches. Black workers could not be promoted to conductor. Socialist Party of America concerned with civil rights.
How did the BSCP gain authority?
Pullman Company set Employee Representation Plan and local authorities clamped down on BSCP meetings. By 1928 not much progress made. 1934, BSCP in position to gain authority, requested National Mediation Board’s help to be only union. 1 June 1935 BSCP only union to represent Pullman workers. A Philip Randolph did not want to strike.
What was WWI’s impact on the economy and 1920s prosperity?
World War I : Production rose 35% in factories and real wages increased by 20%.
Economic prosperity in 1920s with mass production and assembly lines leading to giant corporations being established. High tariffs protected from competition.
When was the Wall Street Crash?
24 Oct 1929 – Wall Street Crash. Unemployment 13 million by 1933, and 25% unemployed. Unemployment for African Americans double
What actions did employers take after WWI?
After World War I employers became increasingly fearful of the Red Scare. Welfare capitalism was established where unions could discuss grievance, but not strike or request pay rise. Some companies offered insurance/pensions, and yellow dog contracts to not join unions for large companies. Company unions set.
What did Henry Ford do for welfare capitalism?
After WWI : Henry Ford owned biggest company at River Rouge, Montana, employing 80,000. 1914 set 8 hour day and $5 daily wage, 1927 Ford’s Protection Department intimidated union organisers with new factory opening. Didn’t recognise unions until 1941.
What concerns did employers have at the end of war?
After WWI 1 million workers striked and formation of Comintern caused rising alarm in employers.
How did Depression hit union membership?
During Depression employers used strike-breakers, reducing union membership to 10% by 1933.
How did union membership change from 1900 to 1910?
By 1900 there were 500,000 union members rising to 2 million by 1910, but union workers unrepresented in textiles, steel, automobiles etc.
What did President Wilson do for labour?
AFL had success, Gompers pushed for President Wilson to become President and in 1914 he set Department of Labour and passed Clayton Antitrust Act to limit court injunctions.
During WWI what did federal government do to reduce striking?
World War I : The federal government allowed collective bargaining and unions through the National War Labour Board so Gompers and AFL urged workers not to strike.
What group rose in the Red Scare and what were causes of Palmer Raids?
( Red Scare) : Loyal Legion in Indiana had 850,000 members by 1920 to clamp down on strikers. 1 May 1919 bombs mailed to senators and businessmen such as Rockefeller. One bomb successfully delivered. June 1919 a bomb destroyed Attorney General Palmer’s house leading to Bureau of Investigation being set.
Outline the Palmer Raids.
Dec 1919-Jan 1920, Palmer’s agents ransacked suspected socialist homes, 10,000 arrested without warrants or harassed. Five socialists to NY State Assembly refused to sit and 500 deported to Russia.
