Welfare and Warfare: American Organized Labor Approaches the Military-Industrial Complex,1949-1964

Abstract

In the decades following World War II, U.S. organized labor became a vigorous supporter of the military-industrial complex. Clearly, trade unionists appreciated the plentiful jobs produced by such spending. Representatives of organized labor also worked hard, behind the scenes, to channel military dollars to serve what they saw as the broader needs of society. In particular, trade unionists sponsored programs designed to direct defense spending to economically stagnant areas and industries. Opposition from the military and other sources slowed and eventually completely frustrated labor's efforts. Nevertheless, in the postwar period, organized labor was a significant, inside force in the shaping of military appropriation.