Question

In the early 1900s, what major obstacle did labor unions face in achieving their goals? Workers opposed labor unions because they were content with their current situations. Labor unions failed to establish national chapters that could organize strikes across state lines. Labor unions lacked strong leaders who were committed to improving worker conditions. The federal government supported the interests of big businesses over the interests of labor unions.

Answer 1

The federal government supported the interests of big businesses over the interests of labor unions.

Unions became popular during the Gilded Age in the US during an industrial boom. The government supported the owners of business during this period and practiced free market capitalism.

During the Gilded Age, the government took a policy of free-market or laissez-faire capitalism. This means the government did not interfere or create regulation of the economic system. They tended to support the practices of corporations because they were wealthy and had power. Unions demanded higher wages, government regulation, and better working conditions. All of these demands went against the thinking of the time and would have cost the government money and the favor of the powerful in the country.