The History of Child Labor in America

In this episode of “Bitchy History,” we’re diving into the grim and often overlooked history of child labor in America. From the colonial era’s indentured servitude to today’s shocking headlines about minors working in hazardous conditions, we’ll trace the evolution of child exploitation in the workforce. We’ll uncover the chilling statistics, heartbreaking stories, and the tireless efforts of reformers who fought to protect children from grueling labor. We’ll also shine a light on the modern resurgence of this issue, examining how recent legislative changes threaten to undo decades of progress.

Join us for a sobering look at how far we’ve come—and how far we still have to go—to protect the most vulnerable members of our society.

Resources:

The Lives of 18th Century Apprenticed and Indentured Children

Children bound to labor: the pauper apprentice system in early America 

Jane Addam’s Hull House - Child Labor

The Child Labor Amendment

Photographs of Lewis Hine: Documentation of Child Labor

The Republican push to weaken child labor laws, explained

Child labor still with us after all these years

Unaccompanied Migrant Child Workers Exploited

Florida legislature proposes dangerous rollback of child labor protections

Project 2025

Get full access to Bitchy History at www.bitchyhistory.com/subscribe