Organized Labor
Between the late 1800s and early 1900s, labor unions strived to improve the position of workers. Although organized labor was successful to some extent, it generally failed to achieve its objective. Some of the factors that contributed to their downfall were the techniques used by management to defeat labor, public opinions, and the lack of government support for labor. ... The corporations seized the time when organized labor lacked unity. Different groups, such as the Knights and Labor and the Socialists were fighting to represent labor unions (Doc F). Different corporations were attacked by labor strikes. ... Courts could imprison labor union leaders, such as Eugene Debs. ... This Supreme Court decision demonstrated that courts are the new enemy of labor unions.