The End of Child Labor in Factories: 1938

Name: The End of Child Labor in Factories: 1938
Start: 1882-10-24
Location: Unspecified

The Landmark Year: 1938 and Child Labor Legislation

Child Labor in the 1930s

During the 1930s, child labor was prevalent in the United States, especially in factories, where children as young as five years old worked under harsh conditions. Many families depended on their children working to make ends meet during the Great Depression. The National Industrial Recovery Act of 1933 and other regulations aimed to address labor issues, but it wasn't until 1938 that real progress was made.

The Fair Labor Standards Act

In June 1938, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which aimed to set minimum wage and maximum hour laws but also specifically targeted child labor. This legislation made it illegal for children under 16 to work in factories engaged in interstate commerce and required older children to work no more than 8 hours a day.

The Impact of Ending Child Labor

Societal Changes Following the FLSA

With the enactment of the FLSA, many children were able to focus on their education instead of contributing to family income through labor. Over time, this shift towards education helped improve literacy rates and overall economic conditions for future generations, leading to a more skilled workforce.

Legacy of Child Labor Reforms

The 1938 legislation marked a significant turning point in U.S. history, setting a precedent for future labor laws. Activists and labor unions have cited this moment as a vital achievement in advocating for workers' rights and the welfare of children, laying groundwork for further social reforms.

Fun Fact

A Surprising Number of Child Workers

Before the FLSA passed, it is estimated that over 1.5 million children were working in U.S. factories at the height of the Great Depression.