Part 3/13:
Unions like the American Federation of Labor (AFL) expanded rapidly; by 1917, their membership soared to 3 million, a tenfold increase since 1900. The United Mine Workers of America, AFL’s most influential affiliate, gained significant strength. During this period, the government initially appeared to support union efforts, with President Woodrow Wilson positioning himself as a champion of organized labor. Union leaders, such as Samuel Gompers, bullishly proclaimed a harvest time for workers.