Labour Movement industrial growth/economic change Flashcards
Outline the Gilded Age.
Gilded Age – 1870-90 saw rapid economic growth particularly in the North and Western states. Industries such as railways, mining, iron, and steel grew. Workers gained from high wages and immigrants attracted from Europe – often didn’t benefit from gains.
How did unions rise during Gilded Age?
In Gilded Age industrial workers rose from 885,000 to 2 million from 1860-1900. Led to formation of unions such as KOL in 1869, AFL in 1886, and Industrial Workers of the World in 1905. Growth in heavy industry and mass production created new wave of workers. In 1900 union membership was 500,000 rising to 2.5 million by 1915 and 2 million by 1920. Slow progress.
What undermined workers after Gilded Age to 1920s?
Rise in workers pressured employers. Rise of workers in construction, machine tools, and clothing saw craft unions unwilling to allow them to join as they threatened their position. Division undermined union rights and saw workers exposed to dangerous conditions and long hours with no organisation to protect them. At end of Gilded Age to 1920s fall in demand saw wages fall and workers were often unable to combat this. Violence weakened union position. Little advancement for union rights.
How did boom of 1920s affect workers?
1920s – Increased demand for consumer goods saw unemployment fall and real wages increase. Employers pushed to take conciliatory action. Unions were recognised and welfare capitalism increased, while welfare capitalism seen as bad Henry Ford reduced hours to 8, doubled daily wage to $5 and introduced profit-sharing.
How did 1950s affect workers?
1950s – Another economic growth. Average income rose by 35% from end of WWII to end of 1950s. 75% of Americans owned cars and 87% at least one TV as workers could buy more consumer goods. Workers less likely to support unions and risk gains through industrial action. Trend continued to 70s where high-tech industries and skill-based industries saw massive wage rises. Blue-collar worker numbers fell 50% weakening bargaining power of these unions. White-collar workers forced to sign non-union agreements. Women rose in working world and often didn’t join unions.
How did Great Depression and New Deal affect workers?
Great Depression saw unemployment rise from 3% in 1929 to 25% in 1933. This led to government passing legislation enhancing workers rights. However, this was to deal with unemployment and increased conflict between employers and employees.
How did 1970s affect workers?
1970s saw a fall in economic growth due to foreign competition alongside a decline in productivity. Saw rise in unemployment and fall in real wages for unskilled and reliance on high-tech industries which required more skilled workers who were reluctant to join unions. High-tech industries often outside cities with smaller enterprises compared to larger factories of earlier periods making it harder to unite workers. Highly paid skilled workers had reluctance to support unions and female employment rised.
