1913 mailing small children

You're referring to the 1913 child labor laws in the United States!

Prior to 1913, child labor was a significant issue in the United States. Many children, including those as young as 5 or 6 years old, were forced to work in factories, mines, and other industries for long hours and low wages. This not only harmed their physical and emotional well-being but also limited their opportunities for education and future success.

In 1913, the U.S. Congress passed the Keating-Owen Act, which prohibited the shipment of goods produced by children under the age of 14 in interstate commerce. This law was a major step towards regulating child labor and protecting the rights of young workers.

The Keating-Owen Act was a response to the growing public outcry over child labor and the need for stronger labor laws. The law was named after its sponsors, Senator Thomas H. Keating of New Jersey and Representative William Owen of Indiana.

The law prohibited the shipment of goods produced by children under 14 in interstate commerce, which meant that companies could no longer transport goods produced by child laborers across state lines. This effectively banned child labor in industries that relied on interstate commerce, such as manufacturing and mining.

The Keating-Owen Act was a significant milestone in the fight against child labor, but it was not without its challenges. The law was challenged in court, and in 1918, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that it was unconstitutional. However, this setback did not deter advocates for child labor reform, and in 1938, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) was passed, which established a minimum age of 16 for most industries and prohibited the employment of children under 14 in non-agricultural industries.

Today, child labor laws in the United States are much stronger, and the minimum age for employment is generally 14 or 16, depending on the industry and type of work. However, child labor remains a significant issue in many parts of the world, and continued efforts are needed to protect the rights and well-being of children everywhere.