The 1930s was a pivotal decade for workers and their unions in the United States. At the
height of the economy of the “Roaring Twenties,” the possibilities for unions and working-class
political activism seemed to be at an all-time low. However, during the Great Depression of the
1930s, unions and workers brought the labor movement to historic heights. What were some of
the major developments and events that created the possibilities for union growth and union
power in the 1930s? What were some of the achievements of the labor movement in the 1930s?
In what ways were union growth and union power still limited, notwithstanding the gains of the
1930s? In what ways were some of these gains shared unequally among workers?
NOTES: You are advised to focus strongly on the textbook for this assignment, although
you may include other assigned readings and documentaries from this course.
