Final answer:
The major response to the emergence of capitalism in the U.S. included the rise of organized labor, transportation developments, and increased government regulation to protect workers and the public interest. Labor unions sought to collectively improve working conditions, and there was a growing acceptance that federal government intervention was necessary to maintain a fair and equitable society.
Step-by-step explanation:
The emergence of capitalism in the U.S. was met with various reactions including the growth of organized labor, advancements in transportation, and an increase in government regulation. The Industrial and market revolutions substantially altered the nation's economy and social structure, leading to a burgeoning industrial and commercial sector. This transformation was characterized by a shift from a pre-capitalist culture centered on family farms to a market-driven society where people would exchange labor for wages and purchase consumer goods.
In response to poor working conditions and the consolidation of power by corporate barons, early labor unions were formed. These unions sought to organize workers across different industries and skill levels to fight for better working conditions and fair wages. Over time, the role of the federal government became more pronounced as it was seen as a necessary force to curb the power of large corporations and to protect the public interest.
By the 1890s, reformers advocating for a more proactive government began to gain significant attention, reinforcing the idea that government intervention was essential in preserving freedom and preventing the emergence of an oligarchy. Despite initial suspicion of the government, a growing number of Americans began to view a more powerful and active federal government as an ally in the pursuit of equality and justice within capitalist society.