Which group is associated with the initial formation of labor unions in the late 1800s?

The Knights of Labor were a significant force in the labor movement during the late 1800s, playing a pivotal role in the early formation and organization of labor unions. Founded in 1869, the Knights of Labor aimed to unite various workers, including skilled and unskilled laborers, regardless of trade, gender, or race, which was quite progressive for its time. Their primary goal was to improve working conditions, wages, and hours while promoting the idea of collective bargaining.

The Knights organized rallies, strikes, and other forms of activism to advocate for workers' rights and sought to address issues such as child labor and the eight-hour workday. Their efforts helped to lay the groundwork for the labor union movement, fostering unity among workers and emphasizing the importance of organized labor in addressing grievances with employers.

In contrast, the American Federation of Labor, formed in 1886, focused on skilled workers and improving conditions primarily through collective bargaining rather than broad-based inclusivity, while the National Women's Party and Socialist Labor Party had different primary focuses that weren't directly related to labor union formation in the same way.