On May 15, 1903, Illinois established an 8-hour work day and a 48-hour work week for children.

The pressure to change the law was pushed by women reformers who realized there was a huge problem. Before then, business leaders, organized labor and other groups expressed their concerns but never found a way to act on them.  A group called the Woman of Hull House was then formed.

These women would meet to plan social reform and regulate child labor. They promoted education for children instead of working and voiced their opinions to anyone who would hear them. The group and other reformers came together to focus on the family structure and claimed if a child was neglected or abused it would not only be an injustice but endanger the future of the country.

Reformers also proposed other laws to get children out of factories and into schools and set up recreational areas and education programs.

It all worked out in 1903 when legislation was proposed requiring children to bring a statement of classroom attendance from school authorities. Working hours were also reduced to eight a day, 48 a week.

Learn more:
Chronology of Illinois History
Women and the Anti-Child Labor Movement in Illinois