Child Labor In The Progressive Era

The next group that was severely impacted by the industrialization was the children. Prior to the Revolution, children would work in their family home. Once the revolution begun, child labor become common; children worked long hours with few breaks. Children would be punished if they fell asleep, but the necessity of their wages was obvious (“Childhood” 1). Machines were thought to be the perfect size for children with small hands and fingers. Unfortunately, hands and feet would get caught, and children were easily injured. The environment in the factory was unhealthy; sickness from fumes was a norm. Grace Abbot, a Progressive Era reformer, attempted to pass the first child labor law in 1917 (“Children” 1). Congress struck down this legislation,