Which of the following statements describes Samuel Gompers' approach to labor rights?

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Prepare for UCF's AMH2020 U.S. History exam. Enhance your knowledge with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, complete with explanations. Get exam-ready now!

Samuel Gompers, as a key figure in the American labor movement, is best known for his pragmatic approach to labor rights, which emphasized the organization of skilled labor and the use of peaceful negotiations to achieve improvements in workers' conditions. He founded the American Federation of Labor (AFL), which focused on advocating for policies that would benefit skilled craftsmanship and the rights of workers through collective bargaining rather than through confrontation or radical measures. Gompers believed in working within the existing political system to create better labor laws, including shorter workdays, better wages, and safer working conditions.

His stance on labor rights reflected a more moderate and reform-oriented perspective, distinguishing him from more radical labor leaders who sought to overhaul the capitalist system or resort to violence. This is why the statement regarding his focus on skilled labor and peaceful negotiations accurately captures Gompers' approach to promoting labor rights during a time of significant industrial growth and labor unrest in the United States.