Labor Day and AFL History

The American Federation of Labor (AFL) was founded in 1881 as a federation of trade unions. It was reorganized in 1886 under Samuel Gompers, who led it for nearly 40 years. The AFL focused on organizing skilled laborers and faced challenges such as labor violence and public fear. Despite these, it grew significantly, supporting labor legislation and expanding membership. In 1955, the AFL merged with the Congress of Industrial Organizations to form the AFL-CIO, a lasting labor federation. The AFL also played a role in establishing Labor Day as a federal holiday.

In what year was the American Federation of Labor originally founded?

• 1890

• 1886

• 1901

• 1881

Who was elected as the first president of the AFL?

• Samuel Gompers

• Eugene V. Debs

• John L. Lewis

• William Green

How did the AFL decide to organize its membership?

• By region

• By craft

• By industry

• By political affiliation

What major event in 1892 involved the AFL and Carnegie Steel?

• A merger

• A strike

• A conference

• A boycott

What was one of the AFL's strategies to support striking workers?

• Merging with other unions

• Reducing membership fees

• Engaging in party politics

• Collecting dues

Which government department did the AFL help establish in 1913?

• Department of Labor

• Department of Commerce

• Department of Health

• Department of Education

By 1917, how many national unions were included in the AFL?

• 150

• 111

• 75

• 50

In what year did the AFL merge with the Congress of Industrial Organizations?

• 1945

• 1950

• 1960

• 1955

When did Labor Day become a federal holiday?

• 1881

• 1894

• 1901

• 1913

Which two organizations celebrated Labor Day on the first Monday of September?

• CIO and Knights of Labor

• AFL and U.S. Department of Labor

• AFL and Knights of Labor

• AFL and CIO