Who primarily made up the membership of the American Federation of Labor?

The American Federation of Labor (AFL), founded in 1886, primarily consisted of skilled workers. This focus on skilled labor was a defining characteristic of the AFL, as it was organized to be a federation of various trade unions that represented specific crafts and skilled occupations, such as carpenters, electricians, and machinists. These skilled workers often had specialized training and expertise that distinguished them from unskilled laborers.

The emphasis on skilled workers allowed the AFL to push for better wages, working conditions, and hours because these workers held more bargaining power due to their specialized skills. The approach of focusing on skilled trades was also a strategic decision, as it aimed to create a more cohesive and organized labor force within specific industries, which was seen as a way to achieve better outcomes for workers.

In contrast, unskilled laborers, blue-collar workers, and government employees were not the primary focus of the AFL. While these groups certainly formed part of the broader labor movement, they were often represented by different unions or organizations that aligned more closely with their unique needs and challenges.