Which organization promoted open membership to unskilled, semiskilled, women, African-Americans, and immigrants?

• A. Unskilled, semiskilled, women, African-Americans, and immigrants
• B. Only skilled workers
• C. Only factory owners
• D. Government workers

Answer: (A)

The idea being tested is openness in union membership in the late 1800s. The option that lists unskilled, semiskilled, women, African-Americans, and immigrants highlights an organization that welcomed a wide range of workers, not just a single craft or class. This describes the Knights of Labor, which promoted inclusive membership to unite all workers across skill levels and backgrounds in pursuit of common reforms like the eight-hour day and political change. Context matters because, at the time, many unions limited membership to skilled workers or to men of particular backgrounds, whereas the Knights of Labor aimed to build a large, diverse coalition. The other possibilities would not reflect that broad, inclusive approach to organizing workers.