Exploring U.S. Child Labor During the Progressive Era

What year did child labor peak in the U.S.?

• 1911

• 1890

• 1870

• 1900

What nickname was given to children working in coal mines?

• The Black Faces

• The Mine Minors

• The Breaker Boys

• The Coal Kids

What was the main reason companies hired children?

• Due to their superior skills

• Because they were easily exploitable

• For their small size

• Children were more reliable

How much did Neil Gallagher earn a day by 1911?

• $0.83

• $1.00

• $0.08

• $2.00

What injury did Harry McShane suffer in 1908?

• Lost an arm and broke a leg

• Crushed leg leading to amputation

• Cut off hand

• Torn out fingers

What was the daily wage of a 'Breaker Boy'?

• $0.08 an hour

• $0.83 a day

• $2.00 a day

• $1.00 a day

What year did a Pennsylvania State law require coal breakers to be at least 12 years old?

• 1911

• 1900

• 1899

• 1885

What was the primary job of the 'Breaker Boys'?

• Cutting sardines

• Operating machinery

• Separating coal from impurities

• Driving mine carts

What percentage of mill employees were children in New England in 1820?

• More than 50%

• About 40%

• Approximately 25%

• Less than 30%

What was the fate of child labor in the transition to the prison industrial complex?

• It transformed into free labor in prisons

• Children were no longer employed in industries

• It was completely abolished

• It became regulated with fair wages