What impact did the Great Depression have on labor movements?

The Great Depression had a profound impact on labor movements, particularly in heightening worker activism and leading to significant labor legislation. During this period of economic turmoil, many workers faced unemployment, wage cuts, and poor working conditions, which fueled discontent and mobilized them to seek changes.

As a result, labor unions gained strength as workers organized to demand better treatment, fair wages, and job security. The dire circumstances of the Great Depression created a pressing need for a collective response, prompting strikes and protests that brought attention to the plight of workers. This environment was conducive to the passage of crucial legislation aimed at protecting labor rights, such as the National Labor Relations Act of 1935, which guaranteed workers the right to organize and engage in collective bargaining.

This surge in activism not only strengthened existing labor unions but also led to the formation of new ones, as marginalized and unorganized workers sought representation. The era ultimately redefined the relationship between labor and the government, leading to significant changes in labor policies aimed at addressing workers' concerns.