Final answer:
The labor union movement in the United States was encouraged by changing economic conditions and the emergence of the National Labor Union in 1866. However, it did not evolve into a major force pre-Civil War due to the Panic of 1873, economic recession, and anti-union sentiments among the public and business owners.
Step-by-step explanation:
There were several factors that encouraged the growth of a labor union movement in the United States. One of the key drivers was changing economic conditions which brought more awareness of the inequalities faced by factory wage workers. In 1866, the formation of the National Labor Union (NLU) marked the start of organizational attempts to unite workers under a common cause, advocating for equal rights, eight-hour workdays, and currency reforms.
However, it failed to become a major force before the Civil War due to multiple reasons, such as the Panic of 1873 and the subsequent economic recession. Workers were desperately seeking any employment, despite the harsh conditions or low wages, and thus unionization initiatives lost their momentum. Furthermore, public reaction to violent labor strikes turned opinion against labor unions.
Business owners capitalized on anti-union sentiment among the public and on language and cultural barriers, adopting strategies like open shops, use of strikebreakers, or yellow-dog contracts to suppress union efforts. The public's deep-rooted belief in individual work ethic as the key to success also served as a significant roadblock to effective unionization.
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