Did the lives of Industrial Workers improve as a result of the New Deal?

?
  • Created by: Eli
  • Created on: 10-11-13 17:01

Did the lives of Industrial Workers improve as a result of the New Deal?

Advantages

  • New Deal (second) and NRA strengthened the position of labor unions against large American industrial giants
  • Tried to support unions and make large corporations negotiate with them
  • Some labor unions joined forces to form the committee for industrial organisation (CIO) in 1935. This union was large enough to bargain with big corporations
  • The union of automobile workers (UAW) was recognised by the two most anti-trade union corporations - General Motors (after a major sit-in Strike in 1936) and Ford (after a ballot in 1941)

Disadvantages

  • Big businesses remained immensely powerful despite being challenged by government
  • Unions were treated with suspicion by employers
  • Many strikes were broken up with brutal violence in the 1930s (Memorial Day Massacre)
  • Companies like Ford, Republic Steel and Chrysler employed Goon Squads or controlled the local police forces

Evaluation

Trade Unions became stronger and more powerful, however the ultimate power still belonged to the big corporations.

Comments

No comments have yet been made

Similar History resources:

See all History resources »See all The USA - twentieth century change resources »