Which organization was largely conservative and avoided affiliations with socialists or anarchists?

The American Federation of Labor (AFL) is recognized for its conservative approach to labor organization during its time. Established in 1886, the AFL primarily focused on skilled trades and sought to represent workers through practical means, emphasizing collective bargaining and improving wages and working conditions.

The AFL deliberately avoided political affiliations with socialists or anarchists, striving instead to maintain a more moderate and business-friendly stance. This distinction allowed the AFL to attract members from various skilled trades while fostering relationships with business leaders and government entities, steering clear of more radical labor movements that sought broader social change.

In contrast, the National Labor Union and the Knights of Labor had more radical roots and engaged with a broader spectrum of political ideals, including those related to socialism and workers' rights. The Federation of Trade Unions also operated in a context where its affiliates could hold varied political views that did not align with the conservative nature of the AFL. This differentiation in ideologies and strategies sets the AFL apart as the more conservative organization among those listed.