Child Labor
As a result of photographers and journalists including Jacob Riis, there became an increasing interest in the life of the working class. In 1890, the census revealed that over one million children were subject to harsh working conditions in America. It was not uncommon for children as young as five or six years to work grueling shifts of nearly 18 hours for nearly nothing. These positions were not only long, they were also hazardous, children worked in mines, glassworks, factories, and seafood industries. Industrialization led to the popularity of child labor: whereas skilled artisans were previously required to manufacture goods, now employers could hire mere children to do the work cheaper. Progressive Era thinkers believed child labor was detrimental in the long run, because it would ultimately reduce the number of healthy and productive working adults. They suggested children should first strive to increase education and participation in extracurricular activities, and then join the workforce with a greater potential for contribution towards society. In 1919, Woodrow Wilson signed the "Tax on Employment of Child Labor", placing a tax on profits of businesses who employed children under 14. This law was declared unconstitutional, however it still contributed towards a decline in child labor between 1910 and 1920.
Within the following decades, every state applied provisions banning children from working, and limiting the number of hours underaged factory workers could work each day. Additionally, the Smith-Hughes act of 1917 helped promote public education throughout the United States. By the 1940's, the Keating-Owen Act enforced a national limit on working hours and protected children from hazardous jobs.
Within the following decades, every state applied provisions banning children from working, and limiting the number of hours underaged factory workers could work each day. Additionally, the Smith-Hughes act of 1917 helped promote public education throughout the United States. By the 1940's, the Keating-Owen Act enforced a national limit on working hours and protected children from hazardous jobs.