The Keating-Owen Child Labor Act, passed in 1916, was a significant piece of legislation aimed at curbing child labor by prohibiting the interstate shipment of goods produced by factories that employed children under certain ages. This act represented a crucial step in labor reforms and workers' rights during the Progressive Era, reflecting growing public concern over the exploitation of child laborers in the industrial economy. Although the act was later declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court, it marked an important moment in the movement toward legal protections for workers and children.
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The act aimed to limit child labor by prohibiting goods produced by children under 14 in manufacturing and under 16 in mining from being shipped across state lines.
Despite its intentions, the Supreme Court ruled the act unconstitutional in 1918, stating that Congress did not have the authority to regulate interstate commerce in this way.
The Keating-Owen Act was part of a larger Progressive movement that sought to improve labor conditions and protect vulnerable populations, including children.
Following the failure of this act, advocates continued to push for child labor reform, leading eventually to more comprehensive protections in later decades.
The act highlighted the conflict between economic interests and social justice, illustrating how industry often resisted regulations intended to protect child workers.
Review Questions
How did the Keating-Owen Child Labor Act reflect the values of the Progressive Era regarding labor reform?
The Keating-Owen Child Labor Act exemplified the values of the Progressive Era by addressing social injustices associated with child labor. Progressives believed that government intervention was necessary to protect vulnerable groups from exploitation. By prohibiting goods produced by child labor from being shipped across state lines, the act aimed to reduce child labor practices and promote ethical labor standards, highlighting the era's commitment to improving working conditions and advocating for children's rights.
What were the legal implications of the Supreme Court's decision regarding the Keating-Owen Child Labor Act?
The Supreme Court's decision to strike down the Keating-Owen Child Labor Act had significant legal implications as it limited Congress's ability to regulate child labor through interstate commerce. This ruling underscored a legal precedent that restricted federal authority over state matters related to labor practices. Consequently, advocates for child labor reform faced challenges in their efforts to enact protective legislation at a federal level until later laws were established that effectively addressed these issues.
Evaluate the impact of the Keating-Owen Child Labor Act on subsequent child labor legislation in America.
The impact of the Keating-Owen Child Labor Act on subsequent child labor legislation was profound despite its initial failure. The public awareness generated by this act and its subsequent legal challenges spurred ongoing advocacy for reform. The eventual passage of more comprehensive laws, such as the Fair Labor Standards Act in 1938, reflected a growing recognition of the need for protective measures against child labor. These developments demonstrated an evolving societal commitment to ensuring children's rights and welfare within an industrial economy.
A period from the 1890s to the 1920s characterized by social activism and political reform aimed at addressing issues like inequality, labor rights, and corruption.
A 1938 law that established minimum wage, overtime pay eligibility, recordkeeping, and youth employment standards affecting full-time and part-time workers in the private sector and in federal, state, and local governments.
National Child Labor Committee: An organization founded in 1904 dedicated to advocating for the reform of child labor laws and improving working conditions for children.