Which historical event caused a backlash against organized labor?

The Haymarket Affair is a pivotal historical event that significantly impacted public perception of organized labor and led to a backlash against labor movements. This incident occurred in Chicago in 1886, during a rally supporting workers striking for an eight-hour workday. A bomb was thrown at the police, resulting in deaths and injuries, which was blamed on the labor movement. The aftermath of the bombing saw a rise in anti-labor sentiment, fueled by the media and government response, which painted labor activists as violent anarchists. This perception tarnished the image of organized labor and led to a decline in public support for labor rights and unions, illustrating how a singular catastrophic event can have a lasting effect on social movements. The backlash not only affected the immediate labor rights issues but also shaped public policy and the relationship between labor organizations and government for years to come.