Child Labor in America: A Historical Perspective

In the early 1900s, nearly 2 million children were part of the U.S. labor force, working in dangerous conditions. Progressive reformers, alarmed by this, formed organizations like the National Child Labor Committee to advocate for children's welfare. Photographer Lois Wicks Hyn documented the harsh realities faced by child workers, raising awareness. By 1929, states had laws restricting child labor, but national legislation faced opposition from business interests. It wasn't until 1938 that President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Fair Labor Standards Act, which restricted child labor and continues to protect workers today.

In 1900, what percentage of America's labor force was made up of children?

• 3%

• 15%

• 6%

• 10%

What types of work were children involved in during the early 1900s?

• Office work

• Agricultural and industrial work

• Teaching

• Healthcare

Which organization hired a photographer to document child labor conditions?

• Children's Defense Fund

• National Child Labor Committee

• American Red Cross

• Labor Rights Association

What was the primary goal of the National Child Labor Committee?

• To increase child wages

• To expose harsh working conditions

• To provide healthcare to child workers

• To promote child education

By 1929, what was the minimum age for children to work in most states?

• 10 years

• 12 years

• 14 years

• 16 years

What was a major reason for the delay in national child labor legislation?

• Insufficient data

• Support from labor unions

• Opposition from business interests

• Lack of public interest

Which industries were primarily opposed to national child labor legislation?

• Technology and finance

• Cotton and coal

• Textile and automotive

• Agriculture and education

In what year was the Fair Labor Standards Act signed?

• 1933

• 1929

• 1945

• 1938

Who was the President when the Fair Labor Standards Act was signed?

• Franklin D. Roosevelt

• Herbert Hoover

• Harry S. Truman

• Woodrow Wilson

What does the Fair Labor Standards Act primarily address?

• Minimum wage and overtime pay

• Child labor and worker safety

• Healthcare benefits

• Retirement plans