Which labor organization aimed to achieve practical economic goals as opposed to earlier labor unions?

The American Federation of Labor (AFL) is the correct answer because it was established in 1886 with a focus on practical economic goals rather than broader social reforms. Led by Samuel Gompers, the AFL concentrated on issues such as wages, working hours, and working conditions. This organization represented skilled laborers and prioritized collective bargaining to achieve tangible benefits for its members, fundamentally differing from earlier unions which often emphasized more radical changes in society and workers' rights.

The Knights of Labor, for instance, sought to address broader issues of social justice and included a diverse membership that encompassed both skilled and unskilled workers, advocating for significant reforms beyond mere economic conditions. The Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) was similarly focused on a radical approach, promoting labor's direct action toward the goal of a broader social revolution. United Farm Workers, while also a significant labor organization, was specifically targeted towards agricultural workers and their unique challenges rather than a general labor movement aimed at economic goals across various industries.