A Level History - America - Practice Exam

Which of the following was a key provision of the Wages and Hours Act of 1938?

1. Established minimum wage standards for farmers

2. Set a 40-hour work week and prohibited child labor

3. Required health benefits for all workers

4. Created a federal unemployment insurance program

The correct answer is: Set a 40-hour work week and prohibited child labor

The Wages and Hours Act of 1938, also known as the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), was significant in establishing labor standards during a time of economic hardship. One of its key provisions was the establishment of a 40-hour work week, which aimed to standardize working hours across many industries. This act also included measures to prohibit child labor, ensuring that younger workers were protected and not subjected to exploitation in the workforce. The designed purpose of the act was to improve working conditions and provide a framework for fair labor practices, reflecting the government's commitment to labor reform during the Great Depression. The establishment of these standards was crucial in promoting a more equitable labor environment and is a cornerstone of labor rights in the United States. In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the primary provisions of this act. While there were discussions about minimum wage standards for various industries, the specific focus on farmers was not a key provision of the Wages and Hours Act. Similarly, although health benefits and unemployment insurance are important issues in labor policy, they were not addressed by this act.