Which labor organization was traditionally associated with socialists or anarchists?

The Knights of Labor was traditionally associated with socialists or anarchists. This organization, founded in the late 19th century, embraced a broader vision of labor reform than many of its contemporaries. It sought not only to improve the working conditions and wages of laborers but also to address social issues such as the economic inequality and injustices that workers faced.

The Knights of Labor attracted a diverse membership, including skilled and unskilled workers, and it was unique in its open acceptance of women and African Americans at a time when many labor organizations were more exclusive. Its commitment to broad social and political change resonated with socialist and anarchist ideologies, making it a significant force in the labor movement during its peak.

In contrast, the American Federation of Labor was more focused on specific trade-related issues, concentrating on skilled labor and a more conservative approach to labor relations. The Congress of Industrial Organizations emerged later with a different focus on industrial unions, while the United Steelworkers was established to represent workers in a specific industry. These organizations did not share the same radical social agenda as the Knights of Labor.