What the HELL Does This Question Mean?

[Placebo]

Was the twentieth century a good century for labor? What have been some of the particular accomplishments of organized labor? Have working class Americans been able to make gains outside the context of organized labor (i.e., have events not linked to organized labor such as economic booms during war time played a role in the well-being of American labor)? Why do you believe the U.S. in the twentieth century has been either a good or bad context for labor to thrive?
______________________________________

I have to write an essay about this question for my US History Class, it's due tomorrow, I don't even know where to start! :scared:

[ismnotwasm]

1. hey

Start with the 19th century for a little frame work, an intro, there is lots of info on the state of the working class. Hit the highlights of the beginnings of labor unions, maybe take it up every couple of decades. HUGE question for a paper due tomorrow but don't fret you can do it!

[barackmyworld]

2. there were a lot of benefits

regarding hour limits, safety, etc. Maybe use the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire as an example of bad conditions that were fixed? I hope this happened during the 20th century, I have forgotten some US history.

[librechik]

3. go for comparison/contrast

Like, some was good, some was bad. (do a para on accomplishments examples, then on failures examples) Then go down the line on the questionthe same way;i.e., some Americans have gained, some have not, some events were good for labor, some were bad (one para each)

Then wrap up with a para or two about your beliefs--suck up to the teacher by saying "the class and reading has made you realize ____"
big finish.

Or compare it to the 19th century in the same way as above, for example.

That's 7-10 paragraphs including intro. All very mechanical, except for the last two which will just be fun.


BTW, That is really a stupid question. My sympathies. The teacher just wants you to demonstrate you have an understanding of the big picture.
I bet you do, if you visit DU!

[mourningdove92]

4. Its due tomorrow???

Can you spell P-R-O-C-R-A-S-T-I-N-A-T-I-O-N????

Use your internet. See how organized labor impacted employer based insurance, OSHA protection for employees, workers compensation, fair employment, 40 hour work week, overtime pay, sick pay, vacation pay, etc.

you should be able to find a wealth of information.

[Placebo]

5. Yea yea...

I'm the worst procrastinator, but hey, that's me.

[HootieMcBoob]

6. what time tomorrow?

how long does it have to be? if it's just an essay you have plenty of time and there's loads of stuff to write.

go for it dude.

[mourningdove92]

7. hehehe, me too.

but I just couldn't resist needling you.

forgive me?

[DS1]

8. Hell no

[ogsball]

9. Do you not understand the question?

It's asking you to trace the formation and then impact of Labor unions through the 20th century. Clearly the 20th century was the age of organized labor and it was a good thing for humanity. Finaly through the unions someone could be a common laborer and be part of the middle class and have a stable life with a pension. Amazing! Labor unions kept us from having revloution mid century.

[Nordic]

10. yes, labor unions saved us from communism

Perhaps a bit of a hyperbole, but something that should be shoved down every republican's throat.

They all forget that communism was a flawed but perfectly normal human response to the inhuman side-effects of industrialization.

[skooooo]

11. Dude..

...doesn't your library have online databases and fulltext articles, fulltext specialized encyclopedias? That's where I would start. THat's a heavy duty question. How much do you have to write?

[salin]

12. Gut reaction to the question

early 20th century - growth and strenght of unions (at the FDR library there is even memorabilia (sp) where FDR is extolling the importance of unions...

mid and late 20th century - weakening of unions through political action (eg the "right to work" movement...)

if you had more than a few hours to write the paper - it would be interesting to get information/data to see whether or not there was an arch shape to the growth and decline of membership in unions - and write about political events/themes that help explain the curve. But at this late hour all we can say is... "good luck".

[babylonsister]

13. My gut reaction...

mother and father-in-law retired from Raytheon, both in a union, both made bombs in MA. Yes, you should ask because people who have 'been there' might/will have an opinion.

[Bjornsdotter]

14. Don't forget..

....women joining the workforce during WWII.

Cheers,
Kim :toast: