Final answer:
Times of economic hardship, like the Great Depression, changed attitudes towards organized labor by highlighting workers' harsh conditions and increasing support for unions and government intervention. New Deal policies, such as the National Labor Relations Act, further solidified the role of unions during this period.
Step-by-step explanation:
Times of economic hardship, like the Great Depression, changed attitudes towards organized labor because they highlighted the harsh working conditions, low wages, and lack of job security that workers faced. The economic downturn forced many people into poverty and unemployment, which increased their support for unions and collective bargaining as a means to improve their situations.
During the Great Depression, workers experienced significant hardships, including widespread layoffs, bank failures, and a decrease in consumer spending. These challenges led to a decline in confidence in the free-market system and a demand for government intervention and regulation. As a result, attitudes towards organized labor shifted, with more individuals recognizing the importance of unions in protecting workers' rights and advocating for fair wages and better working conditions.
For example, the New Deal policies implemented by President Franklin D. Roosevelt included several labor reforms, such as the National Labor Relations Act, which guaranteed workers the right to organize and bargain collectively. These reforms helped to legitimize unions and strengthen their influence during and after the Great Depression.
Learn more about Attitudes towards organized labor during the Great Depression