To what extent did improvements in the economy during the Gilded Age benefit workers and unions?

Question 1

+ve

wages?

Answer 1

increase 60%

Question 2

+ve

increase in transport & heavy industry =

Answer 2

increased demand for labour

Question 3

+ve

number of craft unions ..

Answer 3

grew

Question 4

+ve

growth in union membership e.g. KOL

Answer 4

1881 = 20,000
1886 = 700,000

Question 5

+ve

first successful national labour federation?

Answer 5

1886

American Federation of Labor (wanted to link all unions)

Question 6

+ve

unions now able to

Answer 6

extend influence into politics at national and local level

Question 7

+ve

sickness clubs?

Answer 7

some established

workers contribute so income if they ill

Question 8

-ves

economic inequality?

Answer 8

increasing

2% of population own 30% of wealth

Question 9

-ves

wages skilled vs unskilled workers?

Answer 9

unskilled only 30% of those who were skilled

Question 10

-ves

demand for skilled workers?

Answer 10

declines. (increase in mechanisation)

Question 11

-ves

‘contract’ system’

Answer 11

workers can be laid off during quiet periods

Question 12

-ves

workers have few rights. work long hours in poor conditions. e.g. of this

Answer 12

1889

2000 rail workers die in accidents

Question 13

-ves

violent strikes e.g. hay market affair 1886 =

Answer 13

KOL reputation damaged

membership collapses

Question 14

-ves

slump in economy end of 1880s =

Answer 14

weakens position of workers
job insecurity
reduction in wages

Question 15

-ves

divisions?

Answer 15

unions wont allow AA or new immigrants to join

Question 16

-ves

Government policy

Answer 16

Laissez-faire policy
Encourages large corporations
No protective legislation for workforce

Question 17

-ves

Court action?

Answer 17

Supported employers

Issued injunctions to end strikes

Question 18

When

Answer 18

1875 to 1900