Final answer:
The court ruling described in the excerpt supports the claim that African Americans during the late 1800s became the largest segment of the industrial workforce.
Step-by-step explanation:
The historical situation of the court ruling described in the excerpt could best be used to support the claim that African Americans during the late 1800s became the largest segment of the industrial workforce. The excerpt mentions how the court ruling led to increased migration of African Americans to northern cities, where they found employment in industries like coal mining, manufacturing, and railroads. This supports the claim that African Americans played a significant role in the emerging industrial economy during this period.
Learn more about African Americans in the late 1800s