Who founded the American Federation of Labor?

• A. Terence Powderly
• B. Samuel Gompers
• C. Eugene Debs
• D. Cesar Chavez

Answer: (B)

Samuel Gompers established the American Federation of Labor in 1886 and led it for decades. He built the AFL around craft unions of skilled workers and pursued practical, attainable goals—higher wages, shorter hours, and better conditions—through organized bargaining with employers and, when needed, strikes. This approach created a centralized federation focused on incremental gains within the existing system, which helped the AFL grow as a powerful labor voice. Other figures played major roles in different movements: Terence Powderly founded the Knights of Labor, which included both skilled and unskilled workers and pursued broader social reforms; Eugene Debs organized the American Railway Union and was a prominent socialist leader; Cesar Chavez organized the United Farm Workers. The AFL’s legacy continued after it eventually merged with the CIO to form the AFL-CIO.