The Department of Labor

During the early Twentieth Century, it was not uncommon for seven- and eight-year olds to work for more than twelve hours a day, six days a week in dark, noisy factories for pennies a day. Complaints or negotiations for better conditions could result in threats, beatings, or firing. The creation of the Department of Labor mandated the establishment of a national minimum wage and standard workweek. Finally, America's workers had an advocate in the government who could force employers to provide a workplace where employees could earn a fair wage without jeopardizing their health or safety.