which side did the federal government choose to support in the major strikes of the late 1800's?

Answer 1

Business... Labor was not allowed to organize at that time, so the power, influence (and therefore, government attention) went to business.

Answer 2

In almost every case, if not in every case, the government chose to support the corporation and the business leaders. Whether you are speaking of the Homesteak strike or the Pullman strike, or any of the mine strikes in the West, the government always came down on the side of those who owned the steal mills, the railroad manufacturing and the mines.