At one time in America, children as young as five or six were expected to work, sometimes in dangerous conditions, and without any protection from abuse or injury. Attitudes about the welfare of children and workers of all ages has been one of the central arcs of social and political evolution in the United States. This effort is ongoing, with politicians and the public struggling to balance the desire to grow the economy and our corporations, with the need to ensure that persons of all ages have access to the resources they need to live healthy and happy lives. This volume in the Opinions Throughout History series looks at the evolution of policies and attitudes about workers, the American workplace, and wages. Issues covered include income inequality and wage stagnation, unemployment insurance, labor unions and movements, and the ongoing effort to provide training and education for American workers.