Question

question 16 of 20

a goal of labor unions was:

a. to pressure industrialists to use more technical innovations.
b. to pressure industrialists to change their business practices.
c. to ensure pollution and sewage in cities was cleaned up.
d. to ensure more money for farming innovations.

Explanation:

Analyze the core purpose of labor unions

Labor unions were formed by workers to collectively bargain for better working conditions, shorter hours, and higher wages. Their primary target was the industrial employers (industrialists) who controlled the factories and workplaces.

Evaluate the given options

• Option A is incorrect because labor unions did not focus on promoting technical innovations; in fact, mechanization often threatened workers' jobs.
• Option B is correct because unions sought to change business practices regarding wages, hours, safety, and treatment of workers.
• Option C is incorrect because urban sanitation was a municipal government and progressive reform issue, not a direct goal of labor unions.
• Option D is incorrect because labor unions represented industrial workers, not agricultural workers or farming innovations.

Answer:

• (A) to pressure industrialists to use more technical innovations.
• (B) to pressure industrialists to change their business practices. (Correct answer)
• (C) to ensure pollution and sewage in cities was cleaned up.
• (D) to ensure more money for farming innovations.