WW1

What happened to trade unions during the First World War?

Union influence increased because the government cooperated with them to maintain wartime production.

How much did factory production increase during the First World War?

Factory production increased by 35 percent between 1914 and 1918.

How much did real wages increase during the war?

Real wages increased by about 20 percent during the First World War.

What organisation negotiated between unions and employers during WWI?

The National War Labor Board negotiated between unions and employers.

What rights did the National War Labor Board guarantee workers?

Workers were guaranteed the right to join unions and the right to collective bargaining.

What condition did unions accept in return for these rights?

Unions agreed to a no strike policy during the war.

How did union membership change during the war?

Membership increased from 2.7 million in 1916 to about 5 million by 1920.

What caused unrest in 1919 after the war?

Racial tensions, returning soldiers entering the labour market, and fear of communist revolution.

What was the Red Scare?

A period of intense fear that communists were trying to undermine American society and labour unions.

Why were unions viewed with suspicion during the Red Scare?

Industrial action was often interpreted as communist inspired subversion.

What happened in the Seattle General Strike of 1919?

Workers organised a general strike but the mayor accused union leaders of trying to cause anarchy.

Why did employers gain power during the 1920s?

Mass production and corporate mergers increased their wealth and control over industry.

What was welfare capitalism?

A system where employers offered benefits such as pensions, insurance and leisure facilities to discourage workers from joining unions.

What were company unions?

Employer controlled unions that allowed workers to discuss grievances but not negotiate wages or organise strikes.

What were yellow dog contracts?

Contracts forcing workers to promise not to join a union if they wanted employment.

How did Henry Ford demonstrate welfare capitalism?

He introduced an eight hour working day and a five dollar wage but used security forces to intimidate union organisers.

How many workers did Ford employ at River Rouge?

Around 80,000 workers.

When did Ford finally recognise labour unions?

The Ford Company recognised unions in 1941.

What happened to strike activity during the 1920s?

Strike activity declined significantly as prosperity reduced labour unrest.

What triggered the Great Depression?

The Wall Street Crash on 24 October 1929.

How did unemployment change during the Great Depression?

Unemployment rose from 3 percent in 1929 to 25 percent by 1933.

How many people were unemployed by 1933?

Around 13 million Americans were unemployed.

How did the Depression affect African Americans?

Unemployment among African Americans was about double that of white Americans.

What happened to union membership during the Depression?

By 1933 only about 10 percent of the workforce was unionised.

Why did workers hesitate to strike during the Depression?

Workers feared losing their jobs because employers could legally dismiss striking workers.

Who was A Philip Randolph?

A socialist leader who organised the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters.

Why were Pullman porters dissatisfied with their jobs?

They relied on tips, paid their own expenses, had unpaid duties and had no promotion opportunities.

Why were porters called George?

White passengers called them George after George Pullman, the company founder.

When was the BSCP founded?

The campaign began when 500 porters met in Harlem in 1925.

What slogan did Randolph use for the campaign?

Fight or Be Slaves.

Why was the BSCP campaign difficult?

It faced opposition from the Pullman Company and some African Americans who distrusted unions.

How did Pullman resist the union?

The company created its own union, used spies and dismissed union activists.

When did the BSCP gain official recognition?

The union was recognised in 1935 after winning a National Mediation Board election.

When was the first collective bargaining agreement signed?

The first agreement with Pullman was signed in 1937.