THE AMERICAN FEDERATION OF LABOR AND THE PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE QUESTION, 1920-1935.

The article discusses the role of the American Federation of Labor (AFL) of the U.S. in advocating the independence of the Philippines. The 1920s can be described as the critical period of Philippine independence. The first recorded instance of AFL interest in the Philippines during the period in question was in 1923. According to the Reports of the Proceedings of the American Federation of Labor for 1923, the Executive Council authorized a survey of working and living conditions in the Philippines and publication of a committee report of the findings. At the 1924 conference, the Executive Council decided to petition the U.S. Congress to grant the earnest prayer and petitions of the Filipinos to give them the right to exercise in full liberty, freedom and self-government.