---
title: "American Federation of Labor Definition | Model Diplomat"
description: "The American Federation of Labor was founded in 1886 to pursue economic gains for skilled workers, making it a key player in U.S. labor history."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/american-federation-of-labor"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- The American Federation of Labor was a national federation of craft unions founded in 1886 under Samuel Gompers that pursued practical economic gains for skilled workers.
- Who founded the American Federation of Labor and when?
- How did the AFL differ from the Knights of Labor?
- What is meant by 'bread-and-butter unionism'?
- When did the AFL and CIO merge?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

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Samuel Gompers led the American Federation of Labor from its 1886 founding, championing skilled craft workers' demands for higher wages and the eight-hour day until his death in 1924.

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