Massachusetts AFL-CIO Scholarship Practice Exam

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Study for the Massachusetts AFL-CIO Scholarship Exam. Prepare with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready to excel!

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What role did Samuel Gompers play in the labor movement?

First secretary of the Labor Department
Leader of the Pinkerton Agency
First president of the American Federation of Labor
President of the National Labor Union

The correct answer is: First president of the American Federation of Labor

Samuel Gompers played a pivotal role in the labor movement as the first president of the American Federation of Labor (AFL), a position he held for nearly four decades. Under his leadership, the AFL focused on advocating for the rights of skilled workers and aimed to improve their working conditions through collective bargaining. Gompers was instrumental in promoting the importance of unions, emphasizing practical goals such as higher wages, shorter workdays, and improved working conditions rather than broader political causes. His approach established the AFL as a major force in American labor relations, and he was known for his commitment to a pragmatic, incremental approach to labor rights, which contrasted with more radical movements of the time. This leadership was significant in shaping labor strategies and the overall direction of the labor movement in the United States.