American Federation of Labor — Reading Comprehension

The American Federation of Labor (AFL) was created in 1886 to represent skilled workers in the rapidly changing world of American industry. Led by Samuel Gompers, the AFL sought to address the difficult working conditions that many laborers faced during the late 19th century. Factory workers often endured long hours, low wages, and unsafe environments. These problems led workers to seek collective solutions instead of facing employers alone.

Samuel Gompers, a cigar maker and immigrant from England, believed in the power of collective bargaining. This is when workers negotiate as a group with employers for better pay and conditions. Gompers argued that skilled workers, organized by their specific trades, could achieve more by focusing on practical gains. He stated, “What does labor want? We want more schoolhouses and less jails; more books and less arsenals; more learning and less vice.” This quote, from a speech in 1893, reveals Gompers’ vision for improving society by uplifting workers.

However, not all labor activists agreed with the AFL’s approach. The Knights of Labor, another major union, welcomed all workers—skilled and unskilled, men and women, Black and white. In contrast, the AFL limited membership to skilled, mostly white male workers. Critics argued this strategy excluded many who needed help the most. Supporters of the AFL believed focusing on skilled trades would make unions stronger in negotiations, while opponents saw it as unfair and divisive.

Business owners and industrialists, such as Andrew Carnegie and John D. Rockefeller, generally opposed unions. They argued that labor demands would hurt profits and slow economic growth. Some used strikebreakers—replacement workers hired during strikes—to weaken union power. Others used the courts or police to stop strikes. These conflicts sometimes led to violence, such as the Haymarket Affair in 1886, which damaged the public image of unions for a time.

Despite these challenges, the AFL grew rapidly. By 1904, it claimed over 1.6 million members. The AFL’s strategy was to win small, realistic improvements through negotiations, rather than demanding sweeping social changes. This approach sometimes frustrated radicals who wanted more dramatic reforms, but it also led to many steady gains for workers, including shorter hours and higher pay. Over time, the AFL’s focus on pragmatic goals helped make unions a respected force in American society.

The AFL’s history shows the complexity of the labor movement. Some workers felt empowered, while others felt excluded. Employers often resisted change, fearing higher costs. Yet, the AFL’s efforts contributed to the rise of labor rights in the United States, influencing laws about wages, hours, and workplace safety. The debates over union membership, strategy, and goals highlighted deep divisions within American society over the meaning of fairness and progress.

Interesting Fact: Samuel Gompers served as AFL president almost continuously from 1886 until his death in 1924, guiding the organization through dramatic changes in American industry.

Who founded the AFL?

When was the AFL founded?

Which group did the AFL mostly represent?

Why did some criticize the AFL?

What was collective bargaining?

Why did business owners oppose unions?

Samuel Gompers led the AFL until 1924.

What does 'pragmatic' mean?