Final answer:
The World Trade Organization (WTO) met in Seattle, Washington in 1999 and encountered significant protests due to concerns about globalization and its impact on society and the environment. The protesters included students, labor unions, and environmentalists who criticized the WTO's corporate-led agenda.
Step-by-step explanation:
The World Trade Organization (WTO) meeting that faced thousands of protesters in 1999 took place in Seattle, Washington. These protests, known as the Battle of Seattle, were driven by concerns about globalization and its effects on labor, the environment, and developing economies.
A significant number of the protesters were college students who, along with labor unions, environmental groups, and activists, feared that the WTO's policies would prioritize corporate interests over social and environmental concerns, leading to lower labor standards and environmental protection, and overpowering local and small businesses in favor of multinational corporations.
The WTO, established from the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) in 1995, is charged with promoting trade and economic development but has faced significant criticism for its perceived bias towards rich nations and corporations. The Seattle protests were emblematic of the discontent and debates regarding global trade policies and the push for more equitable and sustainable development.