Textile Workers Strike for Better Wages and Working Conditions CDL

This article summarized the unfairness that was present for the textile workers in the Great Depression. It told of the long hours and low wages, aka “the stretch-out” held in place by mill owners. Quotes from numerous mill workers put emphasis on the strife they had to undergo, when they would even so much as voice a concern they were faced with a discouraging answer from the mill owners like “If you don’t like it there’s a barefoot boy waitin’ at the gate for your job.”. Then after the first big strike the government decided to “take action” and try to “fixing” the terrible working conditions, this act was known as the New Deal’s National Recovery Administration (NRA). But the mill owners pushed this code to the side and continued poorly treating their employees. Mill owners black mailed and tore down workers organizations after once again another strike of over 400,000 workers. After this strike ended because of the Textile Workers’ Union’s lack of economic support and Roosevelt’s want for peace, people either went back to work or they found work in other places.

Question One: Do you think that factory jobs today are as hectic and demanding as they where between the 1920’s to 1930’s?

Question Two: Do you think that with the current recession that the United States is in, that President Obama may create a document equivalent to the NRA to even out work, wages and decrease layoffs? And if so, then do you think it would be more respected and followed than it was back when the textile strikes where occurring?

Franklin D. Roosevelt

Who spoke: Franklin D. Roosevelt, 32nd President of the United States.

Audience: The citizens of the United States.

Represents:
The President of the United States Roosevelt was representing himself and the United States civilians.

What is being said:
Franklin Roosevelt is addressing the Nation for the first time as the United States President in this speech. The strife that is being put on to the people from the depression is being acknowledged and plans for a brighter future are being promised. Such as; more jobs for Americans, better banking practices, better transportation and communication among business throughout the nation and international affairs. He is telling the people that the depression will be overcome.

How it is being said:
Roosevelt is speaking in a very assertive manner, yet the undertone of the whole speech is very compassionate. He is not sugar coating any of the issues he has to deal with as he steps into office. He is being honest and blunt, but not in a way that could be taken offensively. As he tells about the harsh reality he is giving comfort and hope, “Happiness lies not in the mere possession of money; it lies in the joy of achievement, in the thrill of creative effort.”, this was said to not only point out that peoples efforts are needed to help stimulate the economy, but to liberate people from the idea that work is just a drag, it is said to inspire people to want to be a part of the solution.

What proof and/or justification is being used to legitimize the speech:
I do not believe that there any given facts in this speech, just very strong opinions.
And the opinions that are being given are reasonable and understandable, he is saying the issues and how he feels is best to deal with them.

The historical significant of this document:
This is the first speech Roosevelt gives as the president. It is also a breaking point for a look into the future of Roosevelt’s “First 100 Days”.

How this speech fits into the historical context we are reading in the textbook: This fits perfectly into what we are currently reading in our textbook. The making of the politician and the election of 1932 ect. are all about Franklin D. Roosevelt.