Final answer:
In the long term, the government prepared for strikes by utilizing a mix of repressive measures, negotiations, and preemptive reforms. These actions ranged from deterring the spread of labor unions through arrests and threats of federal intervention to enacting policies favorable to workers, like price controls and union support, to maintain economy stability and prevent unrest.
Step-by-step explanation:
To address the question 'How did the government prepare for the strike in the long term?', we need to consider various historical instances where the government took steps to prepare for and deal with labor strikes. The US government, facing the challenge of maintaining economic stability and national security, implemented various strategies against the backdrop of labor unrest.
During and following World War I, strikes such as the Seattle General Strike of 1919 were met with resistance and preventative measures by state and federal agencies. Government intervention during wars and economic crises often involved a heavy-handed approach, including declaring martial law, threatening the use of federal troops, and arresting labor leaders. Recognizing the power of unions and the potential disruptiveness of strikes, authorities also attempted to head off labor strikes by negotiating with employers to recognize workers' demands.
In the 1930s, amidst the Great Depression, the federal government took significant control of the economy and bolstered workers' rights to unionize through various New Deal programs, signaling a form of preparation by attempting to address workers' grievances proactively.
Furthermore, the government agreed to regulate consumer prices and introduced measures like the 'maintenance of membership' rule, ensuring that new employees join unions, to maintain labor peace during World War II. These strategies aimed to balance worker satisfaction and the nation's interests, minimizing the impact of strikes on the economy and national security.
Overall, the government's long-term preparations for strikes involved a combination of repressive actions, negotiation, and proactive reforms to quell labor unrest and ensure economic functionality and security.