A Level History - America - Practice Exam

Which of the following did Wilson's Federal Child Labor Act aim to address?

1. Excessive taxation on agricultural goods

2. Child labor exploitation in interstate commerce

3. Unfair competitive practices in banking

4. Segregation in federal employment

The correct answer is: Child labor exploitation in interstate commerce

Wilson's Federal Child Labor Act specifically aimed to address the issue of child labor exploitation in interstate commerce. This legislation was part of a larger movement during the Progressive Era aimed at protecting children from harsh working conditions and ensuring their right to education. The Act sought to eliminate child labor by prohibiting the sale of goods produced by factories that employed children under a certain age, thereby targeting the economic incentive that allowed such practices to continue. The focus was on regulating child labor practices, particularly in industries that operated across state lines, which fell under federal jurisdiction. This approach reflected the growing recognition of the need for federal intervention in social issues that affected not just individual states but the nation as a whole, especially during a time when industrialization had led to widespread exploitation of vulnerable populations, including children. Understanding this context clarifies why the other options do not align with the purpose of the Federal Child Labor Act. Excessive taxation on agricultural goods and unfair competitive practices in banking pertain to economic issues not specifically linked to child labor. Segregation in federal employment addresses civil rights issues, which, while important, are separate from the child labor concerns that the Federal Child Labor Act sought to remedy.