President Woodrow Wilson banned child labor by signing the Keating-Owen Act into law. This landmark legislation, enacted in 1916, was a significant federal attempt to regulate and ultimately prohibit child labor in the United States.
The Keating-Owen Act: A Landmark Effort
The Keating-Owen Act aimed to curb child labor by prohibiting the interstate shipment of goods produced in factories, mines, and quarries that employed children under specific age limits. This was a crucial step in the early 20th century to address the widespread issue of children working in dangerous and exploitative conditions.
The act was a direct outcome of increasing public awareness and advocacy against child labor practices that had become prevalent during the industrial boom. While the direct question asks about the president who "banned" it, it's important to understand this was through federal legislation.
Here are some key details regarding the Keating-Owen Act:
- Signed into Law By: President Woodrow Wilson
- Enacted By: The 64th United States Congress
- Effective Date: September 1, 1917
- Primary Goal: To restrict child labor by regulating interstate commerce of goods produced by underage workers.
Details of the Keating-Owen Act
The table below summarizes key facts about this pivotal legislation:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Enacted By | The 64th United States Congress |
| Effective Date | September 1, 1917 |
| Signed By | President Woodrow Wilson |
| Purpose | To prohibit the interstate sale of goods produced by child labor, effectively banning it at a federal level. |
Through the signing of the Keating-Owen Act, President Woodrow Wilson took a definitive step in the fight against child labor, reflecting a growing national commitment to protecting children and ensuring their right to education and a safe upbringing.
