Massachusetts AFL-CIO Scholarship Practice Exam

Who was the leader of the Knights of Labor that preferred legislative action over strikes?

1. Samuel Gompers

2. Terence Powderly

3. Peter J. McGuire

4. Frank Foster

The correct answer is: Terence Powderly

The leader of the Knights of Labor who preferred legislative action over strikes was Terence Powderly. Under his leadership during the late 19th century, the Knights of Labor focused on broad social reforms and sought to achieve their goals through political processes, such as advocating for legislation that would improve conditions for workers. Powderly believed that by working within the legislative system, they could create lasting change for labor rights, contrasting with the strike-oriented methods preferred by some other labor leaders at the time. In his tenure, Powderly aimed to unite all workers, regardless of their craft, and he emphasized the importance of political engagement and advocacy. This approach positioned the Knights of Labor as not only a union but also a movement focused on societal change, representing a significant shift in labor philosophy during that era.