How successful was organized labor in improving the position of workers in the period from 1875-1900?
they were very unsuccessful. They attempted plenty of times but with all the problems with the unsupportive governtment they didn't get far.
How successful was organized labor in improving the position of workers in the period from 1875-1900? Analyze the factors that contributed to the level of unachievement.
To analyze the level of achievement of organized labor in improving the position of workers from 1875-1900, we need to consider the various factors that influenced their success or lack thereof.
1. Government Policies and Opposition: During this time period, the government was generally unsupportive of organized labor. They often sided with employers and took actions to suppress labor movements, such as passing laws restricting union activities and utilizing police or military force to break up strikes. These government policies limited the ability of organized labor to effectively advocate for workers' rights and achieve meaningful improvements.
2. Industrialization and Rapid Economic Growth: The period from 1875-1900 was marked by significant industrialization and economic growth. This led to the rise of large corporations with considerable economic and political power. These powerful corporations often opposed organized labor and used various tactics to undermine their efforts, such as hiring strikebreakers and implementing wage cuts.
3. Worker Fragmentation and Diversity: The labor force during this time was diverse and fragmented. Workers came from different backgrounds, ethnicities, and skill levels, which made it challenging to unite and organize effectively. This diversity sometimes led to divisions within labor movements, making it harder to achieve collective goals.
4. Limited Legal Protections: Workers faced limited legal protections during this time period. There were minimal regulations on working conditions, safety standards, and hours, which left workers vulnerable to exploitation. Organized labor faced an uphill battle in seeking reforms to address these issues.
5. Infiltration and Suppression: Employers often used tactics to infiltrate and disrupt organized labor organizations. They employed spies and informants within unions, making it difficult to plan and execute effective strategies. Furthermore, employers would blackball union members, making it challenging for them to find employment.
While organized labor made some gains during this period, such as establishing the eight-hour workday and achieving some wage increases, their overall success was limited. The factors discussed above contributed to the challenges faced by organized labor and ultimately resulted in their lower level of achievement in improving the position of workers from 1875-1900.