Final answer:
The Haymarket Riot had a negative impact on American views of labor unions, associating the movement with radicalism and anarchist violence, which led to a decline in public support for labor activism and union memberships.
b is correct
Step-by-step explanation:
The Haymarket Riot, also known as the Haymarket Affair, had a negative impact on American views of labor unions. Following the events of May 4, 1886, at Chicago's Haymarket Square—where a bomb was thrown during a labor rally leading to the death of police officers and demonstrators—the public opinion turned against the labor movement. The Knights of Labor (KOL), which was mistakenly associated with the riot, saw a significant decline in membership and public sympathy. The incident highlighted a critical juncture in the history of labor relations in the United States, demonstrating how media portrayal and public sentiment towards labor activism could be swayed by incidents of violence, even when labor leaders and organizations were not directly involved.
Despite being organized to protest police violence and advocate for an eight-hour workday, the rally ended in violence, which led the general public to associate labor movements with radicalism and lawlessness. This association was further cemented by newspapers that emphasized the chaotic nature of the protest, contributing to the stigmatization of organized labor. This situation slowed down the progress of labor rights in the U.S., evidenced by the decline in union memberships and the general suspicion towards labor activism.