Podcast
Questions and Answers
What was the primary reason for the dramatic increase in child labor during the Industrial Revolution?
What was the primary reason for the dramatic increase in child labor during the Industrial Revolution?
- Machines that simplified tasks and the increasing demand for labor. (correct)
- Increase in the number of schools for children
- Government regulations mandating children be employed in specific sectors.
- Decreased demand for factory output.
Which factor was NOT mentioned in the text as a direct cause of the prevalence of child labor in the late 19th and early 20th centuries?
Which factor was NOT mentioned in the text as a direct cause of the prevalence of child labor in the late 19th and early 20th centuries?
- The view of children as economic assets.
- A shortage of adult workers (correct)
- Widespread poverty among families.
- The dominant Protestant work ethic.
Which sector heavily employed children in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in the Southern US?
Which sector heavily employed children in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in the Southern US?
- Shipping and maritime
- Agriculture
- Textile industry. (correct)
- Steel production.
What was the most significant result of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) of 1938 regarding child labor?
What was the most significant result of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) of 1938 regarding child labor?
Which group was a strong advocate for national legislation to abolish child labor?
Which group was a strong advocate for national legislation to abolish child labor?
Why were two federal laws designed to abolish child labor overturned by the Supreme Court?
Why were two federal laws designed to abolish child labor overturned by the Supreme Court?
What was the major area in which the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) of 1938 was NOT effective in eliminating child labour?
What was the major area in which the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) of 1938 was NOT effective in eliminating child labour?
Approximately what percentage of children aged 10-15 were working in the 1890-1910 period?
Approximately what percentage of children aged 10-15 were working in the 1890-1910 period?
What is a reason given in the text that caused a significant decline in child labor before the FLSA was passed?
What is a reason given in the text that caused a significant decline in child labor before the FLSA was passed?
In addition to agriculture, what trend, also mentioned in the text, demonstrates that child labor remains an ongoing issue?
In addition to agriculture, what trend, also mentioned in the text, demonstrates that child labor remains an ongoing issue?
Flashcards
Child Labor
Child Labor
The process of using children for labor, often in exploitative or dangerous conditions.
Industrial Revolution
Industrial Revolution
The period of rapid industrial growth in the late 18th and 19th centuries, which dramatically increased the need for labor, including child labor.
Protestant Work Ethic
Protestant Work Ethic
The widespread belief that hard work and diligence are essential virtues, contributing to the acceptance of child labor as a necessity for poor families.
Traditional Child Labor
Traditional Child Labor
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Industrial Child Labor
Industrial Child Labor
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Decline of Child Labor
Decline of Child Labor
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Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
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Child Labor in Agriculture
Child Labor in Agriculture
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Child Labor Reform Groups
Child Labor Reform Groups
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Modern Child Labor
Modern Child Labor
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Study Notes
Child Labor in the United States
- Child labor has a long history in the US, dating back to colonial times.
- Children worked on family farms, in indentured servitude, and with household tasks in colonial America.
- The Industrial Revolution significantly increased child labor in factories due to simplified tasks and urban labor demands.
- Children were seen as economic assets, particularly in poor families.
- The dominant Protestant work ethic, which viewed idleness negatively, contributed to child labor's prevalence.
- From 1890 to 1910, about 18% of 10-15-year-olds worked, primarily in family farms, home-based jobs, or urban street trades.
- The textile industry employed many children, especially in the South.
- Harsh conditions in industries like textiles, coal mining, and glass bottle manufacturing, documented through photos, sparked moral outrage and calls for reform.
- Progressive groups, like the National Child Labor Committee, advocated for federal child labor laws.
- Congress passed child labor laws in 1916 and 1919, but the Supreme Court overturned them.
- Economic improvements and the Great Depression decreased child labor as adults sought work at lower wages.
- The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) of 1938 set minimum wages, maximum hours, and restrictions on child labor, essentially eliminating child labor in factories and mines.
- Despite FLSA, child labor persisted in agriculture due to weaker standards, as well as the prevalence of family farms.
- Farming still employs an estimated 500,000 children, harvesting approximately 25% of US food, and often in harsh conditions.
- A recent 69% increase in child labor violations was reported by the federal government.
- Economic hardship in Central America, a surge of unaccompanied minors seeking work in the US, and a perceived labor shortage in the US are factors contributing to child labor's resurgence.
- Concerns are rising as 14 states have relaxed child labor restrictions due to employer claims of labor shortages.
- The child labor resurgence is a setback and calls for greater public awareness and action.
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