American Federation of Labor, workers

The video discusses the concept of oligarchy introduced by Samuel Gompers in 1881 and the evolution of the Federation after his death in 1924 under President William Green. Despite its power, the Federation's membership of 3.5 million represents only 10% of US labor, primarily skilled artisans. These artisans form the aristocracy of labor, organized into small but powerful craft unions.

Who introduced the concept of oligarchy in 1881?

• Eugene V. Debs

• John L. Lewis

• Samuel Gompers

• William Green

What was the nature of the Federation after Gompers' death?

• Radical and revolutionary

• Disorganized and weak

• Pious and peaceful

• Aggressive and expansionist

Who led the Federation after Samuel Gompers?

• William Green

• Philip Murray

• John L. Lewis

• Eugene V. Debs

What percentage of US labor did the Federation's membership represent?

• 10%

• 20%

• 5%

• 15%

How was labor primarily organized within the Federation?

• In small but powerful craft unions

• In informal networks

• In large industrial unions

• In political parties