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Period: to
Progressivism, a political movement, emerged.
Progressivism emerged intending to improve American working conditions and wages. -
need for minimum wage arises
In 1890 the average wage of American citizens was only $380 which was far below the line of poverty at $500. -
first Minimum wage globally
New Zealand in 1894 was the first one to enact a minimum wage. -
Second Global minimum wage
Australia quickly followed New Zealand in creating a minimum wage. -
first case that challenged minimum wage laws in the U.S.
The 1917 case of Stettler v. O’Hara was the first case brought before the United States Supreme Court that challenged the constitutionality of minimum wage laws. this was split straight down the middle on votes ending in a 4-4 tie. -
first state to enact minimum wage legislation covering men.
Oklahoma became the first state to enact minimum wage legislation covering men, before this minimum wages only covered females and children. -
First United States minimum wage
The first minimum wage was introduced in the States in 1938, while the Great Depression was happening. Initially $0.25 per hour -
minimum wage increased to $2
minimum wage increased to $2, increasing by $0.40 -
current fights over minimum wage
Since the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007 raised the federal minimum wage there have been numerous unsuccessful attempts by Congress to raise the wage further. two main efforts are the Harkin-Miller proposal to raise the wage to $10.10 and the Living Wage Movement to raise the wage to $15. -
most recent minimum wage increase
Before 2009 minimum wage was only $6.55 however, It has since been increased to $7.25