The Keating-Owen Child Labor Act, enacted in 1916, was a significant piece of legislation aimed at curbing child labor in the United States. It prohibited the sale of goods produced by factories that employed children under a certain age, thus directly addressing the issue of child exploitation during the Industrial Revolution. This act was part of a broader movement advocating for labor reforms and social justice during a time when child labor was rampant in various industries.
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The Keating-Owen Child Labor Act was the first federal law to address child labor directly by prohibiting interstate commerce in goods produced by factories that employed children under the age of 14.
Despite its initial passage, the act faced challenges and was declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in 1918 on grounds that it overstepped federal authority regarding interstate commerce.
The act's introduction highlighted growing public awareness and concern about the exploitation of children in factories during the rapid industrialization of the early 20th century.
Advocates for the act included labor unions and social reformers who aimed to protect vulnerable children from harsh working conditions and long hours.
Although it was eventually struck down, the Keating-Owen Child Labor Act laid important groundwork for future legislation aimed at protecting children in the workforce.
Review Questions
How did the Keating-Owen Child Labor Act reflect the concerns of the labor movement and social reformers during its time?
The Keating-Owen Child Labor Act represented a critical response to the growing concerns among labor movement advocates and social reformers about the exploitation of children in industrial settings. These groups pushed for changes to protect vulnerable populations from harsh working conditions, long hours, and low wages. By banning interstate commerce in goods produced with child labor, the act reflected a collective societal shift towards valuing children's rights and well-being over profit.
What were some of the major criticisms or challenges faced by the Keating-Owen Child Labor Act after its passage?
One of the major criticisms faced by the Keating-Owen Child Labor Act was its perceived overreach of federal authority into areas traditionally managed by states. Opponents argued that regulating child labor should be a state responsibility rather than federal. This criticism culminated in a Supreme Court ruling that declared the act unconstitutional in 1918, indicating significant legal challenges to federal intervention in labor practices despite widespread public support for reform.
Evaluate the long-term impact of the Keating-Owen Child Labor Act on subsequent labor legislation in the United States.
Although the Keating-Owen Child Labor Act was ultimately declared unconstitutional, its introduction marked a pivotal moment in U.S. history that spurred ongoing debates about child labor and workers' rights. The public awareness raised by this act contributed to future legislation such as the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, which established more comprehensive protections for youth employment. The advocacy efforts surrounding the Keating-Owen Act set important precedents for further reforms aimed at improving labor standards and protecting children from exploitation.
The employment of children in work that deprives them of their childhood, potential, and dignity, often harmful to their physical and mental development.