Who was the founder and key leader of the AFL noted for his practical approach to labor issues?

• A. Terence Powderly
• B. Eugene V. Debs
• C. Henry Clay Frick
• D. Samuel Gompers

Answer: (D)

Samuel Gompers was the founder and key leader of the American Federation of Labor (AFL). He advocated for a practical and pragmatic approach to labor issues, focusing on improving the working conditions, wages, and hours for skilled workers. Instead of endorsing radical changes or the overthrow of the capitalist system, Gompers emphasized the importance of incremental reforms and collective bargaining. This approach allowed the AFL to gain significant influence during the labor movement in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Gompers believed in the power of unions to negotiate better terms for workers through advocacy and political action, which ultimately shaped the direction of labor relations in the United States.