What was the primary goal of the American Federation of Labor (AFL)?

• A. To create a non-profit organization for workers
• B. To improve labor conditions through skilled workers' unions
• C. To advocate for women's suffrage
• D. To promote political reform

Answer: (B)

The primary goal of the American Federation of Labor (AFL) was to improve labor conditions through skilled workers' unions. Founded in 1886 by Samuel Gompers, the AFL focused on organizing skilled trades and craftsmen rather than all workers, which differentiated it from other labor organizations of the time. The emphasis was on raising wages, improving working conditions, and securing better hours for workers. The AFL believed that by organizing skilled workers into unions, they could collectively bargain with employers more effectively. This approach was significant during the Gilded Age, a time characterized by rapid industrialization and often poor working conditions, making the AFL's focus on skilled labor and specific labor rights crucial for the improvement of workers' lives.