LAD #29: Keating-Owen Child Labor Act

As a result of the prevalent "muckraking" up to 1916, this labor act declared the trade and sale of products between states made by children, illegal. Working hours were also shortened for children due to this act. Forcing children to work any period of time longer than 8 hours was illegal if they were between the ages of 14 and 16. The workweek of children was also limited to 6 days a week, and children were prohibited from working after 7 p.m. However, the act was eventually declared unconstitutional because it was an attempt to regulate interstate commerce.  

LAD #28: Wilson's First Inaugural

Wilson began his address elaborating how we shouldn't fear, but should trust the government in times of hardship and unemployment. He explained how industry's peak contained corruption, and this corruption needed to be revised.  He believed that employment was key to the nation's success, but policies that would have needed to be put in place to increase employment may have had the ability to harm the economy immensely. Beneficial reforms that he desired to put in place were sanitary laws, pure food laws, and improved labor laws. Overall, Wilson explained how reform was needed to improve the nation as a whole. 

LAD #27: Clayton Anti-Trust Act

Passed by the United States Congress in 1914, the Clayton Anti-Trust Act was created to revise and improve the Sherman Anti-Trust Act. The Clayton Anti-Trut Act stated that big businesses and corporations were not permitted to grant different prices to different consumers. The Act also prohibited granting rebates to force competitors out of business. The main purpose on this section of the act was to prevent trade-restrictive monopolies. The Act also regulated the sale of stocks by limiting how much stock one competitor can have in another's company.

LAD #26: MLK's "I Have a Dream" Speech

On August 28th, 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. starts his speech off stating that the African Americans were "freed" after the civil war with the Emancipation Proclamation, but segregation prevents this idea of freedom. He believes that the country as a whole should allow all races to pursue life, liberty, and happiness. He expresses that the time for gradual change is long gone, and that the Negro must be granted civil rights. He advocates that African Americans should not act uncivilized, or use violence along their search for citizenship. He hopes that America will make his dream reality, by supporting that all men are created equal.

   

LAD #25: Dawes Severalty Act

The Dawes Act was issued in 1887 and it ultimately divided Native American land into properties. The Native Americans were given different land with arbitrary boundaries placed by the government. The head of each family received one quarter of this land, but the land was still technically under governmental supervision. Those who did not receive land had the right to relocate where they pleased. The act gave Native Americans equal rights under the law, but it eventually became invalid.

LAD #24: Cross of Gold Speech

William Jennings Bryan delivered a speech at the Democratic National Convention on July 9th, 1896. He began by complimenting American workers, and talking about how important they are. He believed that the coinage of silver would stimulate the economy, and that the United States needed a lender figure who would distribute wealth in America. He also stated that the money of the wealthy is earned by the poor.

LAD #23: Populist Party

The Populist Party supported factory workers of big businesses in the late 19th century. The party created a document listing grievances of big businesses, and the unfair working conditions that the businessmen provided. They also believed that silver should be used as sound currency, although the support for silver at this time was scarce in terms of the country as a whole. They believed that increased agriculture would boost the economy. The party also believed in the legal unionizing of labor forces and that the government should operate infrastructure. Ultimately, this party stood for creating better opportunities for workers.

 

 

 

LAD #22: McKinley's War Message

In 1898, President McKinley addressed the United States Congress stating that it would be best if the war between Cuba and Spain didn't continue. He did not want to put economic relations with these nations at risk, and chose to serve as a neutral element in the mix proposing peace terms for the two nations. Eventually, McKinley decided  to remain a neutral party and composed a four step plan. One: The United States must realize that protection of the people is necessary. Two: The USA should evaluate the degree of importance of the war. Three: Violence will be responded to with retaliation. Four: If economic interests were harmed then the United States would enter the war. Given by the Constitution, Congress has the power to declare war.