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'''Samuel Gompers''' (1850 - 1924) was the most prominent American labor union leader in the early 20th century. Gompers founded the '''American Federation of Labor''' '''([[AFL]])''' and held the position as president of the organization for all but one year from 1886 until his death in 1924. He promoted harmony among the different craft unions that comprised the AFL. Focused on higher wages and job security, he fought against socialism and the Socialist party. After 1907 he formed alliances with the [[Democratic Party]] at the local, state and national levels. He enthusiastically supported the war effort in World War I, and saw rapid growth in union membership and wage rates.

'''Samuel Gompers''' (1850 - 1924) was the most prominent [[American labor unions|American labor union]] leader in the early 20th century. Gompers founded the '''American Federation of Labor''' '''([[AFL]])''' and held the position as president of the organization for all but one year from 1886 until his death in 1924. He promoted harmony among the different craft unions that comprised the AFL. Focused on higher wages and job security, he fought against socialism and the Socialist party. After 1907 he formed alliances with the [[Democratic Party]] at the local, state and national levels. He enthusiastically supported the war effort in World War I, and saw rapid growth in union membership and wage rates.

==Early life==

==Early life==

The United States Navy destroyer tender [[USS Samuel Gompers (AD-37)|USS ''Samuel Gompers'']] was named in his honor. An [http://www.dcmemorials.com/index_indiv0001702.htm impressive monument] honoring Gompers resides in Gompers Square on Massachusetts Avenue in Washington, D.C.  

The United States Navy destroyer tender [[USS Samuel Gompers (AD-37)|USS ''Samuel Gompers'']] was named in his honor. An [http://www.dcmemorials.com/index_indiv0001702.htm impressive monument] honoring Gompers resides in Gompers Square on Massachusetts Avenue in Washington, D.C.  

 

==Primary sources==

==Primary sources==

* Samuel Gompers, ''Seventy Years of Life and Labor'' (1925, 1985 reprint) [http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=62031927 online edition]

* Samuel Gompers, ''Seventy Years of Life and Labor'' (1925, 1985 reprint) [http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=62031927 online edition]