History of child labor in the United States—part 2: the reform movement

As progressive child laborers attracted attention in the last quarter of the 19th century, efforts at the state level expanded to ban young children's employment. It turned out that the move to achieve national reform is difficult. Many states, especially the southern part, refuse this effort. In many cases, opponents of the Child Labor Law deny the existence of this problem and actively celebrate the virtue of children at work. It defeated the goal of achieving a unified law throughout the country through national actions. In the early 20th century, due to state level failure many reformers began to believe that federal law was the best option. However, because of the limited role of the federal government in the Constitution, this outlook is difficult. Many constitutional specialists, parliamentarians and the president think that such laws are unconstitutional. In the face of extensive public support to reduce child labor, laws based on constitutional commercial terms were passed in 1916 - allowing Congress to manage trade with or between countries . This article focuses on reform movement. Adoption of law

I would like to thank everyone who made this work possible. Specifically, I thank Rory Quirk for editing and editing the master's thesis which is the source of this paper. I also thank Betty and Richard Duke for narrowing the focus of my thesis, and Ann Lidar's guidance through that process. I also thank Catherine Stevens for comments on the initial draft. Finally, I thank Erin O'Donohue for his support.

Between 1902 and 1915, the Child Labor Relations Commission emphasized the reform by the Legislature. Many laws restricting child labor are part of the gradual reform movement at this time. But the remaining gaps, especially in southern states, have led to decisions on the federal child labor law. Congress passed these laws in 1916 and 1918, but the Supreme Court declared illegal. Then, opponents of child labor call for constitutional amendment and approve federal child labor law. Congress passed such amendments in 1924, but the conservative political situation of the 1920s, and opposition from several church groups and farm organizations may increase federal authority in areas related to children Afraid not, many countries could not ratify.

Child labor reform increased momentum in the early twentieth century. In 1904, the National Child Labor Relations Commission was established in the United States to promote child labor reform. Social reformers, progressives, clergy, philanthropists are actively involved in this organization and are working hard to make the government head toward reform. From the 1920s to the 1930s, various reforms were passed, the number of hours children were able to work was limited, safe and healthy working conditions were secured. But sometimes these laws are not implemented especially in rural areas in the south. Some of these laws were also overturned and declared unconstitutional. From today's point of view, this seems to be hard to believe. Congress passed the revision of child labor in 1924. This law gives the federal government authority to regulate the labor of people under the age of 18. However, this law has never been realized. There are not enough countries to ratify it and the constitutional amendment has never been enforced.