Samuel Gompers was a significant figure in American labor history, known for founding the American Federation of Labor (AFL). He was born in 1850 in London and immigrated to the United States at a young age. Gompers began working as a cigar maker and swiftly became involved in labor organizing. His early experiences in the workforce shaped his views on workers' rights and the need for collective bargaining. As Gompers promoted skilled labor unions, he emphasized a pragmatic approach to labor issues, advocating for meaningful reforms rather than political solutions. Under his leadership, the AFL grew to become one of the largest and most influential labor organizations in the country, focusing on improving wages, working conditions, and hours for workers. Gompers believed in the power of organized labor to bring about change and stressed the importance of unity within the workforce. His efforts played a crucial role in legitimizing labor unions in the U.S. and establishing a foundation for future labor rights movements. Samuel Gompers was a prominent labor leader in the United States, best known for founding the American Federation of Labor (AFL). Born in London in 1850, Gompers immigrated to the U.S. as a child and worked as a cigar maker. His firsthand experience in labor unions informed his vision for workers' rights. Gompers advocated for skilled labor unions and adopted a practical approach to labor issues, prioritizing real reforms over political solutions. Under his leadership, the AFL became one of the largest labor organizations, focusing on securing better wages, working conditions, and hours for the workforce. He strongly believed in the potential of organized labor to instigate change and underscored the need for unity among workers. Gompers' contributions were vital in establishing the legitimacy of labor unions in the U.S., laying the groundwork for subsequent movements for labor rights.