Final answer:
The early 1890s labor strikes, notably the Homestead Steel and Pullman Strikes, demonstrated challenges to unionization, such as violent clashes and government intervention, with mixed outcomes for workers. Despite setbacks, government actions during WWI and the Great Depression, including the Wagner Act, eventually fostered some improvements in labor rights and working conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The major strikes that occurred during the early 1890s taught important lessons about the labor movement in the United States. The 1892 Homestead Steel Strike and the 1894 Pullman Strike highlighted the intense obstacles to unionization, such as violent clashes with management and government intervention, often resulting in union disbandment. Workers during this period had several goals, including improved wages, better working conditions, and shorter hours. However, in many cases, these strikes were unsuccessful, as demonstrated by the substantial setbacks in labor's power after these events. One significant outcome was that public opinion turned largely against labor unions, and workers were left vulnerable without protections.
Government intervention in the union movement played a dual role. On one hand, government actions often crushed labor strikes, while on the other hand, government incentives during World War I convinced employers to voluntarily recognize workers' demands, preventing strikes. Post-war, the number of strikes surged once workers were legally permitted to do so. The National Recovery Administration (NRA) encouraging unionization and the Wagner Act supporting labor rights during the Great Depression signaled some positive shifts for labor unions. Despite experiencing frequent violent conflicts and opposition, labor continued to advocate for their rights, resulting in legislation like the Wagner Act and various successful strikes, such as the 1937 sit-down strike in Flint, Michigan.