Positions of Individuals 1865-1992

Question 1

Context 1860-1914 (5)

Answer 1

• Unskilled workers were not represented in Unions
• Increase in Industrial workers by over 2 mill (1860-1900)
• Increase in women in workforce - by 1890 = 35%
• Children 8+ worked in coal mines + most workers - 12 hour days
• Many workplace accidents- 1889, 2000 railroad workers killed- little compensation

Question 2

Positions of Individuals 1860-1914 (4)

Answer 2

• Henry Ford 1914 introduced the $5 day
• Women had to work 70 hours for $5
• Long hours, no restrictions

Question 3

Context 1914-1945 (3)

Answer 3

• WW1 + Economic Boom = Rise in Union membership (Aside from ‘Red Scare’)
• 1929 Wall Street Crash + Economic Decline –> 1933 New Deal
• WW2 brought back a rise in unions

Question 4

Position of Individuals 1914-1945 (5)

Answer 4

• 1920s growth of ‘welfare capitalism’ (company unions, didnt allow strikes or pay negotiation)
• 1920s general prosperity, wage increases and low unemployment
• 1914, Henry Ford - 8hr day + $5 day (didnt recognise unions tho)
• 1929, unemployment, low wages and competition for work
• Fair Labor Standards Act $25/week minimum wage.

Question 5

Context 1945-1968 (3)

Answer 5

• After WW2 -> Worries unions = too powerful
• Led to attempts from Gov. to reduce the influence of unions
• Increase in rights of individuals massively

Question 6

Positions of individuals 1945-1968 (3)

Answer 6

• Equal Pay Act 1963: Established ‘equal pay for equal work’
• Civil Rights Act 1964: Prohibited discrimination in employment on basis of race, colour, religion, sex or national origin.
• Economic Opportunity Act 1964: Created a fund for vocational training for the young to improve employment prospects.

Question 7

Context 1969-1992 (3)

Answer 7

• Significant decline in union power with rise of ‘New Right’ ideologies
• Rise in the service industry and ‘tech revolution’
• By 1992 11% of US citizens existed below the poverty line.

Question 8

Positions of Individuals 1969-1992 (2)

Answer 8

• Health and Safety Act 1970: Established safety regulations in workplace against hazards
• Minimum Wage 1977: $2.65 Jimmy Carter established it