Which labor leader's actions led to the establishment of the Fair Employment Practices Commission?

Prepare for the AMSCO AP United States History Exam's Period 7. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get exam-ready!

A. Philip Randolph's actions were pivotal in the establishment of the Fair Employment Practices Commission (FEPC) during World War II. In 1941, he organized a planned march on Washington to protest racial discrimination in defense industries and the military. This mobilization aimed to highlight the need for equal employment opportunities for African Americans, especially as the country ramped up production for the war effort.

In response to the pressure and the threat of a large-scale march, President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued Executive Order 8802, which not only prohibited discrimination in the defense industry but also established the Fair Employment Practices Committee to enforce this order. Randolph's leadership and advocacy for civil rights and labor rights were instrumental in pushing the government to take these significant steps towards combating discrimination in the workplace, thus directly leading to the creation of the FEPC.

This context underscores Randolph's role as a civil rights leader who linked labor rights with racial equality, demonstrating how activism can influence policy changes. Other labor leaders mentioned did not have a direct connection to the establishment of the FEPC in this specific historical context.

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