Final answer:
During the late 1800s, there were no laws to protect unions or union members, but there were efforts made to improve their rights and working conditions. Organizations like the National Labor Union and the American Federation of Labor played a significant role in advocating for workers' rights.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement is false. During the late 1800s, the United States saw the emergence of labor unions in response to poor working conditions and unfair treatment by employers. While there were no specific laws in place to protect unions or union members, there were efforts made to improve their rights and working conditions.
For example, the National Labor Union (NLU) was founded in 1866 and advocated for an eight-hour workday, higher wages, and better working conditions. In 1886, the formation of the American Federation of Labor (AFL) led to increased unionization efforts and the eventual passage of laws protecting workers' rights, such as the Clayton Antitrust Act of 1914 and the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938.
Therefore, while it is true that there were no specific laws to protect unions and union members during the late 1800s, there were significant movements and organizations that paved the way for the establishment of labor rights and protections in the following decades.
Learn more about Labor unions in the late 1800s