The American Federation of Labor (AFL) was founded in 1886 as a national organization of labor unions in the United States. It aimed to improve working conditions, wages, and hours for skilled workers. The AFL focused on collective bargaining and sought to unite various trade unions to strengthen their negotiating power. Under the leadership of Samuel Gompers, the AFL emphasized practical goals and sought to avoid political entanglements. The organization played a significant role in advocating for workers' rights and contributed to the establishment of labor laws that benefited American workers throughout the 20th century.