The Knights of Labor and the American Federation of Labor were actually very similar in their aims, tactics, and membership. The only major difference was in the effectiveness of their leaders.

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The Knights of Labor was very broad-based, allowing all working people, including employers, to become members. It promoted social causes as well as labor goals. The AFL was a federation of craft unions. As such, membership was limited to skilled workers. Moreover, the AFL had a narrower focus, concentrating almost exclusively on fundamental labor issues.