A Level History - America - Practice Exam

The Wages and Hours Act was part of which broader movement in the United States during the 1930s?

1. The Industrial Revolution

2. The New Deal

3. The Civil Rights Movement

4. The Progressive Era

The correct answer is: The New Deal

The Wages and Hours Act, officially known as the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) of 1938, was a key piece of legislation that aimed to set standards for minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping, and youth employment. This Act is closely associated with the broader New Deal movement, which was a series of programs and policies initiated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in response to the Great Depression. The New Deal aimed to promote economic recovery, provide relief for the unemployed, and reform the financial system to prevent a future depression. The implementation of the Wages and Hours Act represented a commitment to improving labor conditions and protecting workers' rights, aligning with the New Deal's goals of social and economic reform. The New Deal included a variety of programs focusing on job creation, infrastructure development, and social welfare initiatives. Consequently, the enactment of the Wages and Hours Act was part of Roosevelt's broader efforts to stabilize the economy and support the working class during a time of significant hardship in the United States. Other movements such as the Industrial Revolution, the Civil Rights Movement, and the Progressive Era pertain to different historical contexts and objectives, making them less relevant when discussing the Wages and Hours Act specifically.