Final answer:
The government response to organized labor in the late nineteenth century was primarily suppression and opposition to unions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The government response to organized labor in the late nineteenth century was primarily suppression and opposition to unions. While some reforms were initiated by factory owners and politicians, organizations of workers also developed to advocate for better conditions. However, business leaders and the government actively opposed unions, fearing their influence and potential disruptions. This opposition was evident in the passage of laws that limited the power of unions and allowed workers to opt out of joining them.