Final answer:
The Haymarket Riot led to a decline in labor activism and union strength due to public fear and skepticism following the violent events and the association of the labor movement with anarchy and radicalism.
Step-by-step explanation:
Result of the Haymarket Riot
The Haymarket Riot, also known as the Haymarket Affair, had a significant impact on the labor movement in the United States. Following the events of May 4, 1886, there was a public outcry against the labor movement, partly because of the violence associated with the rally and the bombing that resulted in the deaths of police officers and workers. This public backlash led to a decline in membership for the Knights of Labor and other labor unions due to the association of union activism with anarchy and radicalism. The aftermath saw a detrimental effect on labor unions rather than an increase in their numbers.
The Haymarket Affair further dampened labor activism and resulted in increased skepticism and fear of unions among the general public. This perception was exacerbated by media coverage, which often depicted the labor movement as violent and chaotic, thereby undermining its efforts. In the end, the Haymarket Riot did not lead to the shutdown of unions by the government, nor did it cause a record increase in union membership; instead, it contributed to a decline in labor activism and union strength.