History of Labor and Work in the US 1880-1945

Paper 2 Topic – History of Labor and Work in the U.S. 1880-1945
Paper Question:
Throughout the historical period of this course, 1880-1945, workers' movements, especially labor unions, had uneven success. In the period from 1880 to the early 1930s, workers lost more battles than they won (at least in the short term), but in the mid- and late-1930s this was reversed, so that by the end of the 1930s workers' advances far outpaced their losses.
Write a paper describing this turnaround of the labor movement and explaining the causes for it. Do your findings have any relevance for the labor movement today (2023)?
After your introduction and thesis (about one-half page), you should use about one page to describe the differences between the pre-1930s period and the period of the mid-1930s and beyond (give specifics about workers’ participation in strikes, etc. as well as actual gains they made). Then, in about two or two and a half pages, explain the reasons for this change. Next, use about a half to one page to discuss any similarities/differences and/or relevance to today. Finally, write a short conclusion summarizing your findings. [Write a minimum of four full pages in total, not counting headings, five pages maximum.]
The explanatory reasons for the changes in the 1930s over the earlier period could include factors external to the labor movement, such as economic change and actions of management and the government, as well as factors internal to the labor movement, such as inclusiveness, organization, and tactics. [Note that these are only a few samples of many possible factors affecting the outcomes.] Which of the explanatory factors began earlier, laying the groundwork for the changes, and which were new developments in the 1930s? Are any of these explanatory factors useful for understanding the condition of the labor movement in recent years?
Be sure to provide specific evidence to back up your argument.
For sources, you must use the textbook (Who Built America?), including chapters 8 and 9. You can also use the supplemental readings as well as class lectures, videos and discussions. You may not use any other sources for the historical section of your paper (with one exception described below), including web sources, because it is difficult to determine the accuracy and reliability of much of what is available on the web.
For the short (one-half to one page) section of your paper dealing with the relevance of your findings for today’s labor movement, you may search the internet or use any other sources of information dealing with this topic.
Four to five pages (double-spaced) - first draft due 11/29 before class. Upload it in Canvas as a Microsoft Word document and bring a printed copy to class for the peer review (a paper copy, not on a device).
Please note: You will be submitting the final revised version of the paper on 12/13. The final version will not be accepted if you have not submitted a draft version by 11/29 and participated in the Peer Reviews.
Your paper should have a descriptive title, an introduction, and a thesis. Each of your paragraphs should follow a logical progression and be in direct support of your argument (along with necessary background information). Support your points with specific examples from the reading assignments, lectures, and videos, and cite your sources. In the body of your paper, when citing class readings, reference the last name of the author and the page number in parentheses. For example, when citing the Dollinger article, use the following citation format: (Dollinger p. 346).
Summary of this paper:
1. Intro/thesis - about one-half page
2. describe what had changed in the 1930s - about one page
3. explain the reasons for those changes – about two to two and one-half pages
4. discuss similarities/differences and relevance, if any, to today’s labor movement – about one-half to one page
5. conclusion - less than one-half page
Total: four to five pages (four full pages minimum not counting headings, extra spaces, etc.) - OK to go a little over five.
Be sure to include a “Works Cited” page at the end of your paper (this page does not count in the total length of your paper). Examples:
Dollinger, G. (1995). "Striking Flint: Genora (Johnson) Dollinger Remembers the 1936-37 GM Sit-Down Strike": 345-349.
Rosenzweig, Roy et al. (2008). Who Built America? Working People and the Nation’s History, Volume Two: 1877 to the Present. New York: Bedford/St. Martin’s.
And see additional citation information here:
There is no fixed number of required citations, but 6 to 10 citations would be reasonable for a paper of this type and length.
Be careful to always cite your sources for any points you make. For direct quotes, include them within quotation marks and cite appropriately. Also cite all important evidence, even if not direct quotes. Since none of us lived during the times we are studying, we must, of course, rely on the words and writings of others, but these must always be cited -- otherwise the use of those words is considered plagiarism. Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns on this point.
Your thesis, use of evidence, and clear writing style will be the primary factors considered when evaluating your paper, but correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation are also important.