💣world history – 1400 to present review

key term - American Federation of Labor

Definition

The American Federation of Labor (AFL) was a national federation of labor unions in the United States founded in 1886, primarily focused on improving the working conditions, wages, and hours of skilled workers. It represented a shift towards a more organized and structured approach to labor advocacy, promoting collective bargaining and political action to achieve reform and address workers' rights within the larger context of industrialization and economic change.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. The AFL was established by Samuel Gompers, who served as its first president and played a key role in its growth and influence in American labor.
  2. The AFL focused on skilled laborers, unlike other labor movements that sought to unite all workers regardless of their skills or trades.
  3. Through collective bargaining, the AFL successfully negotiated for better wages, shorter workdays, and improved working conditions for its members.
  4. The AFL was known for its conservative approach compared to more radical organizations like the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW), often rejecting strikes unless they were deemed effective.
  5. By the early 20th century, the AFL became one of the largest and most powerful labor federations in the United States, significantly shaping labor relations and policies.

Review Questions

  • How did the formation of the American Federation of Labor reflect the changing dynamics of labor movements in the late 19th century?
    • The formation of the American Federation of Labor marked a significant shift in labor movements during the late 19th century by emphasizing organization among skilled workers and promoting collective bargaining. This approach contrasted with earlier movements that often sought to unite all workers indiscriminately. The AFL's focus on negotiating better working conditions specifically for skilled laborers allowed it to gain traction and effectiveness in advocating for reforms during a time of rapid industrialization and economic transformation.
  • Evaluate the strategies employed by the American Federation of Labor in achieving its goals compared to other contemporary labor organizations.
    • The American Federation of Labor utilized strategies such as collective bargaining and political lobbying to achieve its goals, which set it apart from more radical organizations like the Industrial Workers of the World. While the IWW advocated for direct action and unification across all types of workers, including unskilled laborers, the AFL concentrated on negotiating improvements for skilled workers. This strategic focus allowed the AFL to secure tangible gains for its members while maintaining a more moderate stance within the broader labor movement.
  • Analyze how the successes and limitations of the American Federation of Labor influenced future labor movements in the United States.
    • The successes of the American Federation of Labor established a framework for future labor movements by demonstrating the effectiveness of organized collective bargaining among skilled workers. However, its limitations, particularly its exclusion of unskilled workers and minority groups, highlighted ongoing challenges within labor representation. These factors influenced subsequent labor movements to advocate for inclusivity and broader reforms that addressed not only economic issues but also social justice concerns, shaping the evolution of labor advocacy into the mid-20th century and beyond.

"American Federation of Labor" also found in: