Question

Which of the following statements is the most accurate assessment of the historical role of the AFL in the labor movement? In its early years the AFL:

A. attracted a lot of public attention and political support because it was the first truly national labor organization in the United States.
B. operated as one union, but soon split into two interdependent groups and became known as the AFL-CIO.
C. was a federation of craft unions that championed basic labor issues.
D. had limited success because it suffered from poor leadership.

Answer 1

The AFL, led by Samuel Gompers, was a federation of craft unions that focused on improving economic conditions for its members and advocated for labor rights like the eight-hour workday.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most accurate assessment of the historical role of the AFL in the labor movement is that in its early years the AFL was a federation of craft unions that championed basic labor issues. Founded in 1886 by Samuel Gompers, the AFL fostered strong autonomous craft unions, focusing primarily on economic gains for its members and avoiding deep involvement in political issues unless they directly impacted working conditions. This is evidenced by the AFL's advocacy for higher wages, shorter workweeks, and an emphasis on settling disputes between unions and representation in matters of federal legislation that could affect all workers, such as the eight-hour workday.