Factory owners took steps to prevent unions from forming because they

preferred to negotiate with workers collectively.

recognized that unions posed an economic threat.

were afraid their factories would be burned to the ground.

preferred that workers go out on strike instead.

recognized that unions posed an economic threat.

Explanation:

Factory owners comprised of the employers to the factory workers.Their interest was solely to make profit, expand and make their factories produce more for the least possible input, and not the working conditions or the wages of the workers.The employers recognized that in the course of workers uniting, then, they would be in trouble of addressing the welfare discrepancies of the workers, since when united, they would pose a big threat to the normal running of the factories.There were to be expected strikes and similar actions taken by interest groups, thereby causing economic threats.