Keating-Owen Child Labor Act
Poet involved
What happened
The Keating-Owen Child Labor Act, enacted in 1916, was a landmark U.S. federal law aimed at banning the interstate commerce of goods produced by child labor. Signed by President Wilson, this legislation reflected the growing public concern over the exploitation of children in factories and mines. Although it faced legal challenges and was ultimately struck down by the Supreme Court, the act marked a significant step towards labor reform and the protection of children's rights in the workplace.
Literary impact
The Keating-Owen Child Labor Act sparked a wave of modernist literature addressing social justice, with poets like Langston Hughes highlighting the plight of exploited children. This legislative effort became a backdrop for poetry advocating for reform and children's rights.
Source: Wikipedia
