Labour WWI Flashcards
What were key accomplishments?
Factory production rose 35% 1914-18 and real wages rose by 20%. The National War Labour Board recognised workers and allowed them to join unions and have collective bargaining so Gompers and the AFL urged workers to refrain from strike action during war.
How did union membership grow?
Union membership rose from 2.7 mil to 5 mil by 1920.
What was aftermath of WWI?
Unrest rose leading to destruction of property in Chicago, partially racially motivated. Soldiers returned to the labor market and the Red Scare started with employer anxiety. In 1919 there were 3630 strikes and labour unions in Seattle organised a worker stoppage, mayor accused them of causing anarchy.
What were benefits and consequences of 20s economic prosperity?
1920s – There was economic prosperity with mass production techniques and high tariffs to protect from competition. However, nativism rose during this time and union leaders faced suspicion with the red scare, Assembly line production led to the formation of giant corporations.
What was welfare capitalism?
Welfare capitalism: Decline in unrest as employers improved conditions, reduced hours, and offered insurance and pension plans. Company unions could discuss grievances but could not strike or negotiate wage. Real wages did increase. Workers for big companies had to sign yellow dog contracts to not join unions.
Who was Henry Ford?
Henry Ford owned the biggest factory complex in the world at River Rouge, Michigan. 80,000 workers. 1914, cut hours to eight a day and doubled wages to $5 daily. By 1927 with new factory opening, he employed Ford’s Protection Department to intimidate potential union organisers. Ford Company didn’t recognise unions until 1941.
When did A Philip Randolph set the BSCP?
A Philip Randolph formed the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters and Maids, BSCP, in 1925 when 500 porters met in Harlem on 25 August 1925 under the motto ‘Fight or Be Slaves.’
Why were Pullman workers mistreated?
The Pullman Company was the largest employer of African Americans. Porters relied on tips and ten percent of their shift consisted of unpaid work. They also spent half of their income on food, lodging, and uniforms, and had to cover stolen items. They could ride half fare on days off but not the Pullman coaches and they could not be promoted to conductor.
Which party showed focus on black rights?
The AFL did not exclude black workers but affiliates did. By the 1920s however, the Socialist Party of America, which Randolph was a prominent member of, began to focus on black worker rights.
How did the BSCP gain recognition?
The Pullman Company made its own union the Employee Representation Plan in response and local authorities banned BSCP meetings. By 1928 the BSCP was no closer to gaining recognition. A strike was suggested but Randolph preferred to use a threat to gain leverage. Changes in the law meant by 1934 the BSCP could claim it was the only legitimate union to represent porters in Pullman. Randolph demanded the National Mediation Board certify it and the BSCP was certified on 1 June 1935.
What were consequences of Wall Street Crash?
On 24 October 1929 the Wall Street Crash devastated workers with unemployment reaching 13 million by 1933 and 25% of the labor force. African Americans had double the unemployment rate and industrial cities such as Chicago were hit hard. By 1933 only 10% of workers were unionised due to employers using their own strike-breakers during conflict.
What were causes of the Red Scare?
- World War I propaganda led to anti-German feeling.
- After WWI Comintern was established at the same time as strikes broke out with 1 million labourers striking. People feared communism was a threat.
What events caused concern during the Red Scare?
- In Indiana, the Loyal Legion kept order by attacking strikers. By 1920 there were 850,000 members.
- On 1 May 1919, bombs were sent in mail to businessmen such as Rockefeller and senators. One bomb successfully arrived and blew the hands off the maid who opened it.
What was the cause of the Palmer Raids?
In June 1919 a bomb blew up Attorney-General Palmer’s house so he set the Bureau of Investigation.
What were Palmer Raids?
Between December 1919 and January 1920, Palmer’s agents ransacked homes of suspected socialists. 10,000 were harassed or arrested without warrants. Five socialists elected to the NY State Assembly weren’t allowed to take their seat and 500 were deported to Russia.
