What was the initial political affiliation of the AFL?

The initial political affiliation of the American Federation of Labor (AFL) was characterized by a stance of no formal political affiliation. Founded in 1886, the AFL focused primarily on labor issues, advocating for the interests of skilled workers and labor rights, rather than aligning itself directly with a specific political party. This approach allowed the AFL to maintain its independence and concentrate on influencing legislation and policies that pertained to workers' rights, wages, and working conditions without being tied to the agendas of existing political parties. As labor movements evolved, the AFL would later engage more directly with political parties, but at its inception, it recognized the importance of advocating for workers autonomously, reflecting its foundational principle of prioritizing labor issues over partisan politics.