Final answer:
Option (C), Workers suffered because of the government's laissez-faire approach to monopolies and trusts, which often led to low wages, long hours, and unsafe working conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Which group of people suffered because of the government's laissez-faire approach to monopolies and trusts? The correct answer is (C) Workers. The laissez-faire approach meant that the government did not heavily regulate the actions of businesses and allowed them to grow unchecked. This led to the development of monopolies and trusts, which could drive down wages, lengthen working hours, and maintain unsafe working conditions without fear of government intervention.
Workers did not have the financial leverage or the legal mechanisms to effectively demand better terms of employment or to challenge the monopolistic practices. Business owners, in contrast, often profited from this lack of regulation as they were able to expand their businesses without much government interference. The negotiation power imbalances between business owners and workers meant that the laissez-faire approach often resulted in exploitative labor practices, contributing to the hardships endured by the working class.