What was the primary goal of the Knights of Labor when they were founded?

• A. To promote skilled labor only
• B. To unite all workers into a single large union
• C. To limit the workweek to 40 hours
• D. To advocate solely for wage increases

Answer: (B)

The primary goal of the Knights of Labor when they were founded was indeed to unite all workers into a single large union. This organization, established in the 1860s, aimed to bring together workers from various trades and backgrounds, regardless of their skill level or the industries in which they were employed. The Knights believed that by fostering solidarity among all laborers, they could collectively address the injustices and challenges they faced, such as low wages, poor working conditions, and lack of job security.

This inclusive approach was revolutionary for its time, as it sought to dismantle the barriers that existed between skilled and unskilled workers, and to ensure that all workers had a voice in the labor movement. The Knights of Labor also advocated for broader social reforms, including an eight-hour workday, but their fundamental mission was centered on the unionization and empowerment of the entire workforce.

In contrast, the other options focus on more restrictive or specific goals that do not encapsulate the overarching mission of the Knights of Labor, which was to create unity among all workers in pursuit of labor rights and social justice.