Social, economic, and political position of U.S. industrial workers from the 1880s to the 1930s
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Social, economic, and political position of U.S. industrial workers from the 1880s to the 1930s
In the period between 1880s and 1930s, the United States labour force went under profound change as the nation went from the agrarian revolution to modern industrial state. Until the 19th century, the United States largely depended on agriculture for existence. During this period, the U.S. industrial workers experienced many challenges in relation to the social, economic, and political positions. The rising standards of living, welfare capitalism, constitution amendment, and the civil war affected the life of American industrial workers considerably. In addition, before 1974 the Massachusetts provided a limit of the number of hours for industrial workers creating hard times for women and child factory workers (Bell 79). Lack of labor registration in the country during this era led to misuse of human power. After 1930, the industrial workers started enjoying the good working environment since the federal government took control and introduced new labor constitution (Marcovitz 312-324).
The social position of U.S. industrial workers between 1180 and 1930 was not well defined. The rising standards of living in the manufacturing, mining, and construction industry provided citizens with hard moments as they strived to feed their families. The weekly wages depended on the level of experience and gender. As seen from figure 1, male manufacturing workers received higher wages compared to female manufacturing workers. The amount of wages paid to individual affected the social life since employees used to socialize in one way or another (Wolf 576-583). These wages were not sufficient to sustain a family provided the high cost of living as the government increased the cost of manufactured goods as shown in figure 2.
Figure 1: Wages in U.S. manufacturing between 1920 and 1929) (source: Marcovit 2013)
From figure 2, the number of people owning manufactured goods went of increasing from 1921 to 1929. As the country became more civilized, people gained access to certain household goods. In the period between 1880 and 1920, the amount of wages given to industrial workers could not cater for food and at the same time by entertainment materials. The U.S. economy stagnated since people lacked information on the development processes as few people owned radio receivers. The introduction of organized labor unions later in 1929 improved the social and economic position of U.S. industrial workers. More employees got access to automobiles improving the standards of living. Figure 3 shows how the economy stagnated in 1920s and later increased from 1930 to 1956 (Marcovitz 122-130).
Figure 2: U.S. consumption of manufactured goods, 1921-1929(source, 2013)
Figure 3: U.S. automobile sale and registration 1900 to 1946
Some industries provided social and cultural festivals meant at bringing workers from different communities together. Moreover, employers provided voluntary benefits like provision of medical covers, company union and employee appraisal systems. The main goal of such events and practices was to built employee loyalty, prevent labor unions and strikes, and turn workers into consumers. Industrial workers never practice their social rights since even with the provision of medical covers and cultural festivals, the employees still wanted workers to deliver more and in a harsh way. In addition, most of the workers were taken captive by the American soldiers minimizing their social responsibilities in the society. The assassination of Sheriff Hatfield by Baldwin-Felts agents made almost 13,000 miners arm themselves and made free imprisoned union members. The action led to death of many miners but later justice prevailed in United States (Bell 111-121).
The political position of the United States industrial workers had no stability during 1880 and 1930. The United States experience on labor unions stems back in historical ages. Factory workers could organize themselves into a stable organization only after 1930 after they experienced a lot of bloodshed. The political influence yielded by organizations increased the morale of acquiring large voting numbers and more financial resources. The unions used to accumulate resources and give the political powers that eventually influenced the government to form labor unions (Bell 221-230). Later, workers could create influence without the help of politicians and also make a political stand. The actions by industrial workers created a substantial impact on the government contributing to the massive economic depression between 1921 and 1929. In addition, industrial workers engaged in strikes to exercise their political and democratic rights despite the presence of labor unions (Marcovitz 200-215).
The actions of leaders like Samuel Gompers influenced most industrial workers in America between 1900 and 1924. Gompers organized the American Federation of Labor (AFL) that united the American society. The AFL presented a political strategy during President Woodrow Wilson administration when Gompers was appointed to the Council of National Defense. During this period, Gompers mobilized industrial workers to engage in war to force the government’s support for independent trade unions. The American working population was highly fragmented inhibiting the togetherness needed in making political decisions. The working population faced more fragmentation due to increased divisions determined by individual occupational status (Bell 300-320). The presence of worker fragmentation acted as a tool of enabling workers disrespect policy of employees. In 1890s, 750,000 workers went on strike in response for the high rate of wage cuts and unemployment in manufacturing firms. Political figures played a significant role in supporting workers raise grievances. In 1894, the federal government placed marshals in control of numerous strikes at a cost of 400,000 U.S. dollars (Wolf 400-419).
The introduction of labour movement in United Stated came as a need for protection of common interests of employees working in industrial sectors. The labor unions and movements have helped in stopping child labor, provision of health benefits, and other aids to workers. In addition, the economic position of workers was improved after the formation of labor unions. Between 1880 and 1930, Industrial workers had unstable economic position since the Massachusetts never allowed them to earn enormous amounts of cash. The formation of Federal Society of journeymen Cordwainers in Philadelphia in 1794 marked the beginning of sustained trade union in America. During this era, industrial workers had an economic stand that made it possible to publish the acceptable wages and salaries. The U.S. workers’ economic stand was remarkably stable despite the sufferings received from their bosses in an effort of increasing productivity (Bell 153-171).
On the other hand, American industrial workers assisted America in progressing into a successful economy. After 16th, 17th, and 18th century, America developed the total revolution that made the country more complex to match its increasing growth. The American Founder fathers advocated for economic development strategies by ensuring federal governments provide subsidiaries and imposed tariffs on imports. The static economic position among workers led to industrial revolution that begun in 1921. A third of the nation’s income came from manufacturing making more people migrate into urban areas in search of better paying jobs. Despite the presence of the U.S. Civil War, workers never faced intimidation and the nation economy was slightly touched. The government involvement in promoting development contributed to improved economic position especially for people who changed into agriculture (Elmer 155-160).
Works cited
Bell, T. Out of this furnace. Pittsburgh: University of Pittsburgh Press, 19761941. Print.
Marcovitz, H. The roaring twenties. San Diego, CA: ReferencePoint Press, 2013. Print.
Wolf, N. Give me liberty: a handbook for American revolutionaries. New York [etc.: Simon
& Schuster, 2008. Print.
