Child Labour 1880–1920: Annotated Bibliography
This annotated bibliography examines child labour in the United States between 1880 and 1920, drawing on a combination of primary and secondary sources. The entries cover Lewis Hine's documentary photography for the National Child Labour Committee, the landmark 1912 Lawrence Textile Strike (known as the "Bread and Roses" strike), and the broader labour movement that eventually led to federal child labour legislation. Sources include a children's historical novel, a documentary film, a scholarly journal article, and several authoritative websites. Together, they illuminate the social, economic, and political conditions that sustained child labour and the reform efforts that ultimately curtailed it.
- Introduction: Scope and context of the bibliography
- Part One: Annotated Sources: Five sources on Lawrence Strike and Hine's photography
- Part Two: Additional Annotated Sources: Five web and institutional sources evaluated for credibility
- References: Full reference lists for both parts
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What makes this paper effective
- Each annotation clearly identifies whether the source is primary or secondary and explains its relevance to the topic of child labour history.
- The bibliography moves logically from narrative and visual sources to institutional and digital resources, giving a well-rounded view of the subject.
- Credibility evaluation is embedded in every entry, helping readers assess the reliability of each source rather than simply summarising its content.
Key academic technique demonstrated
The paper consistently applies source evaluation criteria — authorship authority, primary versus secondary classification, corroboration against other reliable sources, and potential bias — making it a strong model for critical annotated bibliography writing at the undergraduate level.
Structure breakdown
The bibliography is divided into two parts. Part One covers five sources centred on the 1912 Lawrence Strike and Lewis Hine's photography, including a novel, a documentary film, a monograph, a historical website, and a peer-reviewed journal article. Part Two evaluates five additional web-based and institutional sources, assessing each for credibility and historical scope. A consolidated reference list follows each part.
Introduction
This annotated bibliography explores child labour in the United States from 1880 to 1920, drawing on primary and secondary sources that document working conditions, key strikes, and the reform efforts that shaped American labour law.
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