In the mid-1800s, when machines and factories came into use, children became the cheapest source of labor available. These factories mistreated children in many ways creating the Children’s Rights Movement. This movement did not have many leaders, but one of the most well known of the leaders was Mother Jones. But after many years and of attempting to attract the attention of the president, the children were given rights.
As I said, the children were working in factories as well as other dangerous places. While in these places of work, they faced injustices such as being underpaid, overworked, and not being given benefits. One example of these injustices is a picture I found in my school textbook of children who were working in a coal mill in 1900. The picture showed the children dirty, beaten, and poor looking. This was the typical picture of working children until the Great Depression.
But, the children did not remain quiet while working in these factories, they resisted in many ways. They held protests, marches, and refused to work. All of these uprisings attracted unwanted attention to the mills and factories the children worked in. Most of these forms of protest were supported and or organized by Mother Jones. One picture that I researched on the internet shows Mother Jones marching with children in
Trinidad, Colorado in the year 1903. All of these methods began to show results by becoming supported by the public.
Eventually the children became protected by the government after almost 100 years of protest. They passed laws at first in only certain states, then spreading through the country. Eventually, President Franklin D. Roosevelt passed the Fair Labor Standards Act to enforce these laws throughout the country. This bill was passed in the year 1938.
To me the Children’s Rights Movement seems essential to me and other children throughout the country. This is because without this movement we would probably still work in factories and mills without any rights. After learning about this movement I am more respectful of my rights. Last, I no longer take my rights for granted and am eternally thankful to everyone involved in this movement.
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