Answer:
Step-by-step explanation:
Government opposition: The government was often opposed to labor unions and was willing to use force to suppress them. For example, during the Pullman Strike in 1894, the government sent in troops to break up the strike, which weakened the union and set a precedent for government intervention.
Employer resistance: Employers were often strongly opposed to labor unions and were willing to use tactics like blacklisting, firing, and hiring strikebreakers to prevent unionization.
Economic instability: The late 1800s were a time of economic instability, with frequent recessions and depressions. This made it difficult for unions to negotiate better wages and working conditions because employers were often more focused on cutting costs than on improving working conditions.
Anti-immigrant sentiment: Many workers in the late 1800s were recent immigrants, and they often faced discrimination and prejudice. This made it difficult for unions to organize and mobilize these workers because they were seen as outsiders.
Lack of legal protection: Labor unions did not have the legal protections that they enjoy today. They were often subject to legal challenges, and employers were not required to recognize unions or bargain with them in good faith.
These factors, among others, made it difficult for labor unions to be successful in the late 1800s. It wasn't until the early 20th century that unions began to gain more legal protections and social acceptance, which allowed them to become more successful in improving the lives of workers.