What was the Keating-Owen Act, and what significant implications did it have for labor laws and child welfare in the early 20th century? This pivotal legislation emerged during a tumultuous period in American history, characterized by rapid industrialization and a pressing need for social reform. As factories proliferated and children became active participants in the workforce, concerns about their well-being and the ethical dimensions of child labor surged. But how did the Keating-Owen Act seek to address these critical issues? What specific regulations were introduced, and what were the intended effects on both employers and vulnerable youths? Furthermore, how did the Act aim to reshape public consciousness regarding the morality of exploiting child workers in factories, and what challenges did it face in the legal arena? Delving into these questions allows us to understand the broader context and lasting impact of the Keating-Owen Act on labor standards and societal values in America.
The Keating-Owen Act was a U.S. federal law passed in 1916 aimed at addressing child labor issues. This act prohibited the interstate sale of goods produced by factories employing children under a certain age, typically 14, or working more than a certain number of hours per day. By imposing these reRead more
The Keating-Owen Act was a U.S. federal law passed in 1916 aimed at addressing child labor issues. This act prohibited the interstate sale of goods produced by factories employing children under a certain age, typically 14, or working more than a certain number of hours per day. By imposing these restrictions, the Keating-Owen Act intended to protect the welfare of child workers and limit their exploitation. This legislation marked an important milestone in labor laws by establishing federal regulations on child labor and influencing public attitudes toward the practice.
Despite its noble intentions, the Keating-Owen Act faced significant challenges and was eventually declared unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court in the landmark case Hammer v. Dagenhart in 1918. The court ruled that the federal government overstepped its authority by regulating intra-state commerce, leading to the downfall of the act. However, this ruling sparked further debate and eventually paved the way for the subsequent passing of the Fair Labor Standards Act in 1938, which included stronger regulations against child labor and set minimum wage and maximum hour requirements.
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