-
States begin to limit the children's working days
In 1842, States limit the working hours to 10 hours a day, which is a decrease in length. -
The labor movement urges a minimum wage law
In 1876, The Working Men's Party proposes banning the employment of children under the age of 14. -
A group of progressive reformers create The National Child Labor Committee
This groups goal was the abolition of child labor. Teams of investigators gathered evidence of these working children in action. They organized exhibitions to dramatize the plight of children. (Child Labor Activists) -
John Spargo writes "The Bitter Cry of Children", which exposed the horrible conditions of child labor
In 1906, this was one of the most read books in the country. It got a lot of people's attention and led on to create better things. (Child Labor Activists) -
Woodrow Wilson gets elected for president
In 1912, Woodrow Wilson runs on a campaign about a "new freedom". He supported big businesses and creating new competition. Wilson saw child labor as an abuse to big businesses, so he encouraged congressional legislation against it. (Child Labor Legislative Efforts) -
The Children's Bureau is established
In 1912, The National Child labor Committee's efforts led to the establishment of the Children's Bureau. This was established as a federal information clearinghouse. It was later transferred to the Department of Labor in 1913. (Child Labor Activists) -
Congress passes the Keating-Owens Act
In 1916, this act establishes certain standards of child labor. It also used the government's ability to regulate interstate commerce in order to regulate child labor. (Child Labor Legislative Efforts) -
The Fair Labor Standards Act is established
The Fair Labor Standards Act prohibits child labor and establishes a minimum wage. Minimum ages of employment and hours of work for children are regulated by federal law. -
An ILO agreement is approved
In 1999, over 160 countries approve a ILO agreement to end the worst of child labor. Ever since the ILO, the numbers of child laborers around the world has fallen.
