The Progressive Era Primary Source Investigation
Take a close look:
Content
At the start of the 20th century, labor in America was in short supply, and
laws concerning the employment of children were rarely enforced or
nonexistent. While Americans at the time supported the role of children
Origin
working on family farms, there was little awareness of the other forms of
labor being undertaken by young hands. In 1908, photographer Lewis Hine
was employed by the newlyfounded National Child Labor Committee (NCLC)
to document child laborers and their workplaces nationwide. His well-made
Motive
portraits of young miners, mill workers, cotton pickers, cigar rollers,
newsboys, pin boys, oyster shuckers, and factory workers put faces on the
issue, and were used by reformers to raise awareness and drive legislation
that would protect young workers or prohibit their employment. After
Analysis
several stalled attempts in congress, the NCLC-backed Fair Labor Standards
Act passed in 1938 with child labor provisions that remain the law of the
land today, barring the employment of anyone under the age of 16.
What is happening?
Who is portrayed?
What is said about them?
Does it tell the whole story?
Is there any information about who created it, or
when and where it was created?
Caption, date, or publisher?
If not, examine content for clues. What is the
context of this image? What was going on at the
time?
What was the purpose of this image?
Who was this source meant for? What events,
conditions or grievances might have inspired the
creation of your image?
How are these things portrayed? What does your
source have to say about the context in which it
was created?
Does the source present a fair depiction of people,
events or conditions?
Or does it mislead by presenting false or
exaggerated information? Do you think the source
represents the views of a majority of people – or
the views and attitudes of a smaller group?
Does it mislead people in any way? Does it glorify
a particular leader while ignoring their faults or
failures?
1. What is your emotional reaction to this photograph? Why?
2. What are most fifteen year olds doing during weekdays in Texas today?
How is this different from what fifteen year olds did during weekdays in the
early 20th century?
3. Why do you think that the government put into place a law banning
employment for anyone under the age of 16?
4. What does this image tell us the IDENTITY of children in early 20th
century Texas?
5. Complete the hashtag based on what you’ve learned about the children
of Texas through this image: #TexansAre_________________________