The Labor Boys: Mediation and Arbitration in America, 1942-1993
HIST 366
Spring 2010 not offered
|
When Japan attacked Pearl Harbor and Germany declared war on the United States, victory over the Axis powers depended on America's industrial might. However, American unions and corporations were sharply divided. To address this problem, FDR appointed the National War Labor Board that in turn hired a corps of young economics professors and labor lawyers whom they trained as mediators. The "Labor Board boys," as this group of men (and one woman) was nicknamed, bonded together like soldiers at the front. Like the armed forces, their work was essential for victory. Unlike soldiers, however, the group remained together after the war ended. For the next 50 years and more, they continued to try to resolve the most pressing issues confronting the nation-not only strikes and other industrial disputes, but also the the integration of Southern public schools, the 1960s student revolts, discrimination against minorities in industry, the stagflation of the 1970s, modernization of Third World economies, and the U.S.-Soviet confrontation over nuclear weapons during the 1980s. The seminar will spotlight this group: their influence on unions, industry, the economy, education, and international relations. |
|
Essential Capabilities:
In-depth discussion of primary sources, conduct original research, write major research essay.
|
| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
SBS HIST |
| Course Format: Lecture | Grading Mode: Graded |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
|
Fulfills a Requirement for: None |
|
|
|