Child Labor in America (1890–1920): Progressive Reforms and Lasting Challenges

Progressive Efforts to Address Child Labor: Strategies and Outcomes

The problem of child labor played a significant role in American culture from 1890 to 1920. In order to work long hours in dangerous environments like factories, mines, and mills, young children—some as young as six years old—were forced to forgo their schooling, health, and psychological well-being in return for low pay. A group of reform advocates responded to this grave situation by realizing the critical requirement for change and starting numerous initiatives to deal with this pressing problem.

The Keating-Owen Child Labor Act

The progressive movement was steadfast in pursuing legislative solutions to end child labor. They successfully passed the Keating-Owen Child Labor Act in 1916, which made it illegal to ship items made with child labor over state boundaries (National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.). This Act sought to stop the use of child labor across the country’s commerce-related industries. However, it was challenged in court and later ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in Hammer v. Dagenhart (1918), which constrained the federal government’s ability to regulate child labor (Barnes & Bowles, 2015). Progressives persisted in their attempts at the state level, pushing for laws that controlled the age, time spent at work, and child labor conditions despite this blow.

Ineffectiveness of the Act

However, the Keating-Owen Act of 1916 had a limited effect. Many states passed ineffectual anti-child labor legislation, and enforcement was frequently substandard (Barnes & Bowles, 2015). Unscrupulous companies continued to use child labor as a source of cheap labor by taking advantage of legal loopholes or outright disregarding the rules (Sinclair, 1905). The Act also had legal difficulties and was ultimately declared invalid by the Supreme Court, weakening its effectiveness as a national resolution.

Lasting Effects of Child Labor and Progressive Reforms in Contemporary Society

Despite progressives’ courageous efforts to stop child labor, its repercussions can still be seen today. Despite major advancements in the fight against child labor, millions of children are still required to work in hazardous situations (Barnes & Bowles, 2015). Even though US child labor laws have improved, there are still concerns about child labor in specific industries, like domestic and agricultural employment, where exceptions remain (Barnes & Bowles, 2015). Along with these topics, there are continuous debates about the need for legislation to safeguard vulnerable workers, especially minors, and concerns about equitable pay, safe workplaces, and the rights of employees.

References

Barnes, L. D., & Bowles, M. D. (2015). The American Story: Perspectives and Encounters from 1877. Bridgepoint Education.

National Archives and Records Administration. (n.d.). Keating-Owen Child Labor Act (1916). National Archives and Records Administration. Web.

Upton Sinclair, The Jungle (1905), Chapter Nine. Upton Sinclair Hits His Readers in the Stomach. Web.

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StudyCorgi. (2025) 'Child Labor in America (1890–1920): Progressive Reforms and Lasting Challenges'. 28 July.

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StudyCorgi. "Child Labor in America (1890–1920): Progressive Reforms and Lasting Challenges." July 28, 2025. https://studycorgi.com/child-labor-in-america-18901920-progressive-reforms-and-lasting-challenges/.

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StudyCorgi. 2025. "Child Labor in America (1890–1920): Progressive Reforms and Lasting Challenges." July 28, 2025. https://studycorgi.com/child-labor-in-america-18901920-progressive-reforms-and-lasting-challenges/.

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