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Impact of the First and Second World War (Gains for workers (Wages (During…
Impact of the First and Second World War
Suggested that in times of war, the governments main concern was to keep production high and not to be disrupted. Therefore willing to abandon laissez-faire policy to intervene. Employers saw
opportunity to increase profits
because of
increased demand
. Needed to conciliate workforce
Gains for workers
Period of the two world wars were
good for workers
. Saw an advancement in their position and rights. This improvement was reflected in union membership growth.
First World War Membership Growth
1916
- 2.7 million
1920
- 5 million
Second World War Membership Growth
1940
- 8.9 million
1945
- 14.8 million
Wages
During WW1, real wages rose by
20%
.
During WW2, real wages rose by
70%
Many workers did particularly well because of increased availability of overtime work
The Impact of the National War Labor Board
World War 1
NWLB recognised unions as representing workers and guaranteed workers the right to join unions in return for a
no-strike policy
.
Employers
supported
union rights and limited the working day to
8 hours
World War 2
Similar events happened in WW2. NWLB
virtually
took over control of industry
Position of workers further
strengthened
because there was a shortage of labour due to
armed forces recruitment
and a
halt to immigration
.
Many women, African Americans and Native Americans who were excluded from the workforce now found employment
Long-term Impact of the Wars
When the wars ended, employers sought to
regain power
. This resulted in industrial unrest immediately after the wars were over.
1919-20
, 4 million workers were involved in strikes
1946-47
, over 4.5 million were involved in strikes
The two world wars brought only temporary gains for workers and that employers and often the government sought to reverse gains at the earliest opportunity