A Level History - America - Practice Exam

What did the Wagner Act accomplish during the Second New Deal?

1. Provided pensions for senior citizens

2. Established minimum wages for workers

3. Protected the rights of workers to organize

4. Created public works construction jobs

The correct answer is: Protected the rights of workers to organize

The Wagner Act, formally known as the National Labor Relations Act of 1935, was a significant piece of legislation during the Second New Deal, primarily aimed at strengthening labor rights in the United States. It accomplished the protection of workers' rights to organize, engage in collective bargaining, and participate in union activities without fear of employer retaliation. This law established the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), which was empowered to enforce the rights of employees to join unions and engage in collective bargaining, thereby transforming the labor landscape by providing legal recourse for workers and promoting fair labor practices. This was crucial during a time when labor movements were gaining momentum, and many workers faced resistance from employers who sought to suppress unionization efforts. By safeguarding the ability to organize, the Wagner Act helped to empower labor unions, contributing to a significant increase in union membership and collective bargaining across various industries. The Act laid the groundwork for a more balanced relationship between workers and employers, which had broad implications for workers' rights and labor relations in the following decades.