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Lesson Number: 020

Aim: How did Unions try to improve the lives of American workers?

1. Problems created by big business

   1. Big business created several jobs in America, but also created many problems.
   1. The large supply of workers caused a decrease in wages and salaries of factory workers.
   2. Workers were forced to work long hours - 12, 16, 18 hour days, six days a week.
   3. Workers had no medical benefits, no job security, and poor working conditions.
   
   

2. Labor unions help American workers

   1. Unions help American workers improve their working conditions.
   2. Craft unions were skilled workers in a certain trade.
   3. Strikes were organized - union leaders would tell their unionized workers to stop working until conditions are improved.
   4. Collective bargaining was created - when labor (workers) and businesses owners talk together to improve wages and working conditions .
   
   

3. The United States government reaction to unions in America

   1. The United States government viewed strikes organized by unions as illegal and supported business owners.
   2. The United States government takes a laissez-faire approach to business in America.
   1. Laissez-faire - when a government stays out of business and industry in its country.

Social Studies Performance Standards
Objective Number(s) covered in this lesson - SS1, SS4, SS5

What are the Social Studies Performance Standards - Click Here

Home > 8th Grade Lessons and Homework Assignments > Lesson - 020

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