IMAGO International History, 250 years USA, Industrialisation, Rise to the leading industrial nation 1800-1920

May 14, 2026

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RECORD DATE NOT STATED Child labour in the USA; 1911. South Pittston, Pa. Breaker boys Child labour in the USA; 1911. South Pittston, Pa. Breaker boys working in Ewen Breaker of Pennsylvania Coal Company Editorial use only. All other uses to be cleared with the copyright owner (World History Archive), in advance., WHA_069_0229.jpg, Child labour; USA; 1911; South Pittston; Pennsylvania; Breaker boys; Ewen Breaker; Pennsylvania Coal Company; child workers; industrial revolution; labor laws; child exploitation; child rights; working conditions; historical photo; child labor laws; child labor history; child labor in America; child labor in the early 20th century; child labor in coal mines; child labor reform; child labor documentary; child labo Copyright: xWorldxHistoryxArchivex
RECORD DATE NOT STATED Child labour: Sweeper and doffer boys in Lancaster Cotton Mills, USA 1910 Child labour: Sweeper and doffer boys in Lancaster Cotton Mills, USA 1910 Editorial use only. All other uses to be cleared with the copyright owner (World History Archive), in advance., WHA_068_0564.jpg, Child labour; sweeper; doffer boys; Lancaster Cotton Mills; USA; 1910; industrial revolution; child workers; textile industry; child labor laws; working conditions; exploitation; poverty; historical; black and white; young boys; factory; labor; American history; social issues; child rights; industrialization; child exploitation; child workers; child labor reform; child labor practices; child labor regulations; child labor statistics; child labor Copyright: xWorldxHistoryxArchivex
RECORD DATE NOT STATED Doffers (Child labour) in a textile factory Doffers (Child labour) in a textile factory, in Cherryville, North Carolina, USA. 1910 Editorial use only. All other uses to be cleared with the copyright owner (World History Archive), in advance., WHA_063_0271.jpg, Doffers; child labour; textile factory; Cherryville; North Carolina; USA; 1910; industrial revolution; child workers; child labor laws; child exploitation; working conditions; child labor history; child labor photos; child labor images; child labor documentary; child labor statistics; child labor facts; child labor reform; child labor movement; child labor in America; child labor in the 1900s; child labor in the United States; child labor in factories; child lab Copyright: xWorldxHistoryxArchivex
RECORD DATE NOT STATED Child labour at an early twentieth century Glass works. Child labour at an early twentieth century Glass works., USA 1908. Editorial use only. All other uses to be cleared with the copyright owner (World History Archive), in advance., WHA_062_0744.jpg, Child labour; early twentieth century; Glass works; USA; 1908; child labor; industrial revolution; child exploitation; child workers; child factory workers; child labor laws; child labor history; child labor photos; child labor images; child labor documentary; child labor statistics; child labor facts; child labor reform; child labor in America; child labor in the 1900s; child labor in the United States; child labor in factories; child labor in the industrial revolution Copyright: xWorldxHistoryxArchivex
Kinderarbeit in einer Fabrik um 1858, historische Abbildung, digital bearbeitet, Ausbeutung, Tagelöhner, Kapitalismus, Arbeit, Bildung Child labor in a factory around 1858, historical illustration, digitally processed, exploitation, day labourers, capitalism, work, education Copyright: imageBROKER MichaelxNitzschke ibxtlo17047946.jpg
Heimarbeit mit Kinderarbeit um 1847, historische Abbildung, digital bearbeitet, Ausbeutung, Tagelöhner, Kapitalismus, Arbeit, Bildung Homework with child labor around 1847, historical illustration, digitally edited, exploitation, day labourers, capitalism, work, education Copyright: imageBROKER MichaelxNitzschke ibxtlo17047943.jpg
RECORD DATE NOT STATED Children and overseer at work in a spinning shed of an American cotton mill, 1910. Children and overseer at work in the spinning shed of an American cotton mill, 1910. At this date the use of child labour was widespread in US factories and in the South one quarter of the hands were under sixteen. Editorial use only. All other uses to be cleared with the copyright owner (World History Archive), in advance., WHA_003_0112.jpg, Children; overseer; spinning shed; American cotton mill; 1910; child labour; US factories; South; hands; under sixteen; industrial revolution; textile industry; working conditions; labor laws; child workers; exploitation; industrialization; historical; vintage; black and white; young workers; in Copyright: xWorldxHistoryxArchivex
Historische Abbildung, Kinderarbeit im Kohlebergbau, Hurriker, die ein Kordel ziehen, 19. Jahrhundert Historical illustration, child labour in the coal mining industry, hurriers pulling a corf, 19th Century Copyright: imageBROKER Heinz-DieterxFalkens iblhfa17300534.jpg
Historische Abbildung, Kinderarbeit im Kohlebergbau, Hurriker, die ein Kordel ziehen, 19. Jahrhundert Historical illustration, child labour in the coal mining industry, hurriers pulling a corf, 19th Century Copyright: imageBROKER Heinz-DieterxFalkens iblhfa17300532.jpg
Various light-duty locomotives built by H Illustration depicting various light-duty locomotives built by H.K. Porter, Inc., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Dated 19th century Copyright: xPhoto12 AnnxRonanxPicturexLibraryx ARP23A18215 !ACHTUNG AUFNAHMEDATUM GESCHÄTZT!
Orig. caption...STAY-IN STRIKER TIE UP NEW JERSEY STEEL COMPANY Some of the strikers who took possession of the Crucible Steel Company Plant at Harrison, N.J., Jan. 17th, are shown behind the barred gates of the plant, waving to their friends on the outside of the gates. They staged their stay-in strike over the alleged violation by the company of their CIO contract. The strike effecting 2,000 workers, was called by the Steel Workers Organizing Committee, a CIO affiliate. One hundred strikers left the plant the same night at the request of the Harrison Chief of Police, Peter F. Bradby, who promised that Strike-breakers would not be given their jobs if they left voluntarily. Note Fence Smile Thermoses Congestion CD483 sites: USA;NEW JERSEY Copyright: xx STRIKING STEEL WORKERS
Railway Exchange (left) and Peoples Gas (right) Buildings, Chicago, Illinois, USA, Detroit Publishing Company, 1911 Copyright: xCircaxImagesx ghi-circa03288
Williamsburg Bridge and East River, New York City, New York, USA, Detroit Publishing Company, 1903 Copyright: xCircaxImagesx ghi-circa03212
RECORD DATE NOT STATED El Train or elevated railway, New York Vintage 19th century photograph - El Train or elevated railway, Manhattan New York, USA Copyright: Copyrightx(c)Geminix2023.xCredit:xGemini 13456736
RECORD DATE NOT STATED Railroad, Oakland and pier USA 19th century vintage photograph: Railroad, Oakland and pier, USA Copyright: Copyrightx(c)Geminix2023.xCredit:xGemini 13410417
RECORD DATE NOT STATED US Army building the Panama Canal, Central America The US Army taking part in the building of the Panama Canal, linking the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Date: early 20th century Copyright: Copyrightx(c)Geminix2023.xCredit:xGemini 10555122
Picket at the White House about wage cuts in the textile industry,1926 (b w photo) 3617876 Picket at the White House about wage cuts in the textile industry,1926 (b w photo) by American Photographer, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Adults and children from Passaic, New Jersey picket the White House following President Coolidge s refusal to listen to their complaints about wage cuts in the textile industry). Copyright: xBridgemanxImagesx 3617876
USA: A baseball team composed mostly of child labourers from a glassmaking factory. Indiana, August 1908 Lewis Wickes Hine (September 26, 1874 November 3, 1940) was an American sociologist and photographer. Hine used his camera as a tool for social reform. His photographs were instrumental in changing the child labor laws in the United States. Copyright: xLewisxHinexPicturesxFromxHistoryx
PENNSYLVANIA: DONORA, 1901. Aerial view of Donora, Washington County, Pennsylvania. Lithograph from a drawing by T.M. Fowler, 1901. Copyright: xGRANGERx xGRANGERx 0184165
Guard at company town, Jefferson County, Alabama, 1937 (b w photo) 7418147 Guard at company town, Jefferson County, Alabama, 1937 (b w photo) by Rothstein, Arthur (1915-85); Private Collection; (add.info.: The New Deal supported labor organization which caused tension in the U.S. South during the 1930s where both industry and state governments was resisted unions. An armed private guard watches over a steel mining company town.). Copyright: xBridgemanxImagesx 7418147
Young girl working in a mill, Lincolnton, North Carolina, USA, c.1908 (b w photo) 5848208 Young girl working in a mill, Lincolnton, North Carolina, USA, c.1908 (b w photo) by Hine, Lewis Wickes (1874-1940); Private Collection; (add.info.: Lewis Hine was an investigative photographer for the National Child Labor Committee who documented from 1908-1912 the working conditions and exploitation of children in all types of industries.). Copyright: xBridgemanxImagesx 5848208
Construction of Williamsburg Bridge, from Brooklyn, New York, 1901 (b w photo) 3963994 Construction of Williamsburg Bridge, from Brooklyn, New York, 1901 (b w photo) by American Photographer, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Detroit Publishing Company New East River suspension bridge (Williamsburg Bridge) connects the Lower East Side of Manhattan at Delancey Street with the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn at Broadway, opened 1903). Copyright: xBridgemanxImagesx 3963994
Construction of Flatiron Building, New York City, New York, USA, 1902 (b w photo) 3963993 Construction of Flatiron Building, New York City, New York, USA, 1902 (b w photo) by American Photographer, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Detroit Publishing Company, Flatiron Building during construction in 1902. The steel frame construction, a rectangular grid of I-beams, ascends above the stone facing. Signs advertise space for rent in 22 stories of what was then called the Fuller Building. ). Copyright: xBridgemanxImagesx 3963993
Two young spinners in Catawba Cotton Mills, Newton, North Carolina, 1908 (b w photo) 1766251 Two young spinners in Catawba Cotton Mills, Newton, North Carolina, 1908 (b w photo) by Hine, Lewis Wickes (1874-1940); Private Collection; (add.info.: Lewis Hine was an investigative photographer for the National Child Labor Committee who documented from 1908-1912 the working conditions and exploitation of children in all types of industries. ). Copyright: xBridgemanxImagesx 1766251
Rosy aged 8 works a 14 hour day as an oyster shucker at Dunbar Cannery, Louisiana, 1911 (b w photo) 1273793 Rosy aged 8 works a 14 hour day as an oyster shucker at Dunbar Cannery, Louisiana, 1911 (b w photo) by Hine, Lewis Wickes (1874-1940); Private Collection; (add.info.: Lewis Hine was an investigative photographer for the National Child Labor Committee who documented from 1908-1912 the working conditions and exploitation of children in all types of industries. ). Copyright: xBridgemanxImagesx 1273793
Child spinner in Mollahan Cotton Mills, Newberry, South Carolina, 1908 (b w photo) 1273735 Child spinner in Mollahan Cotton Mills, Newberry, South Carolina, 1908 (b w photo) by Hine, Lewis Wickes (1874-1940); Private Collection; (add.info.: Lewis Hine was an investigative photographer for the National Child Labor Committee who documented from 1908-1912 the working conditions and exploitation of children in all types of industries. ). Copyright: xBridgemanxImagesx 1273735
RECORD DATE NOT STATED Part of the production line at Ford s Highland Park factory, Detroit, Michigan, USA, c1914. Artist: Unknown Copyright:xOxfordxSciencexArchive Ford HeritagexImagesx IMAGO ,1157871 ! ACHTUNG: AUFNAHMEDATUM GESCHÄTZT! Copyright:OxfordxSciencexArchive Ford HeritagexImagesx IMAGO
View of a factory, USA 1940s
RECORD DATE NOT STATED Colebrook Furnace, Lebanon, Pennsylvania, USA, c1900. Creator: Unknown. Copyright:xThexPrintxCollector HeritagexImagesx IMAGO ,2697214 ! ACHTUNG: AUFNAHMEDATUM GESCHÄTZT! Copyright:ThexPrintxCollector HeritagexImagesx IMAGO
RECORD DATE NOT STATED Steel-Edgar Thomson Works , 1909. Artist: Joseph Pennell. Copyright:xThexPrintxCollector HeritagexImagesx IMAGO ,2625140 ! ACHTUNG: AUFNAHMEDATUM GESCHÄTZT! Copyright:ThexPrintxCollector HeritagexImagesx IMAGO
RECORD DATE NOT STATED Chevrolet 490 cars on production line, c1920. Artist: Unknown Copyright:xNationalxMotorxMuseum HeritagexImagesx IMAGO ,1193778 ! ACHTUNG: AUFNAHMEDATUM GESCHÄTZT! Copyright:NationalxMotorxMuseum HeritagexImagesx IMAGO
workers in the silver mines of Nevada, USA Arbeiter in den Silberminen von Nevada, USA, Reproduction of an original print from the 19th century, digital improved Reproduktion einer Vorlage aus dem 19. Jahrhundert, digital verbessert, Originaldatum nicht bekannt 1f-4892685
Automotive INDUSTRY Automotive industry in Ohio USA Photography circa 1910 Credit Collection NBL KHARBINE TAPABOR KH151356
Young Spinner in Cotton Mill, Roanoke Virginia, USA, Lewis Hine for National Child Labor Committee, May 1911 Copyright: CircaxImages ghi-circa04225
Young Spinners with Supervisor in Yarn Mill, Yazoo City, Mississippi, USA, Lewis Hine for National Child Labor Committee, May 1911 Copyright: CircaxImages ghi-circa04224
Young Tube Boy with Injured Finger and Overseer in Mule Room, Richmond Spinning Mill, East Lake, Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA, Lewis Hine for National Child Labor Committee, December 1910 Copyright: CircaxImages ghi-circa04220
Overseer and Two Doffer Boys, Full-length Portrait, Avondale Cotton Mills, Birmingham, Alabama, USA, Lewis Hine for National Child Labor Committee, November 1910 Copyright: CircaxImages ghi-circa04215
Spinning Room, Cotton Mill, Magnolia, Mississippi, USA, Lewis Hine for National Child Labor Committee, March 1911 Copyright: CircaxImages ghi-circa04207
Edison Electric Plant, Detroit Edison Company, Detroit, Michigan, USA, Detroit Publishing Company, 1910 Copyright: CircaxImages ghi-circa00809
Carnegie Steel Company, Lucy Furnace, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA, Detroit Publishing Company, 1910 Copyright: CircaxImages ghi-circa00742
Detroit Iron and Steel Co., Detroit, Michigan, USA, Detroit Publishing Company, 1903 Copyright: CircaxImages ghi-circa00562
Phoenix Iron and Bridge Works, Phoenixville, Pennsylvania Phoenix Iron and Bridge Works, Phoenixville, Pennsylvania 1873 From The Science Record New York Copyright: xPhoto12 AnnxRonanxPicturexLibraryx ARP07094390000643
Child labour in the USA 1909 Child labour in the USA 1909. Bibb Mill No. 1 Many youngsters here. Some boys were so small they had to climb up on the spinning frame to mend the broken threads and put back the empty bobbins. Location: Macon, Georgia Copyright: xPhoto12 AnnxRonanxPicturexLibraryx ARP18A30309
United States: February 11, 1918 Women making bullets in a factory during the war. xUnderwoodxArchives 4-WWI-US-HF_17
Newark, New Jersey: February 2, 1927 Mrs. Ernie Pye making racing tires for bicycles. her late husband, a professional rider, developed the racing tire and the company. xUnderwoodxArchives 3-Rec-Bike-Mfg_1
Washington, D.C.: c. 1937 Workers running mimeograph and multi-lith machines in the mechanical section of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. xUnderwoodxArchives 1-Off-Equip_9
Doffers (Child labour) in a textile factory, in Cherryville, North Carolina, USA. 1910 WHA !ACHTUNG AUFNAHMEDATUM GESCHÄTZT! Copyright: WHA UnitedArchivesWHA_063_0271
Sugar refinery, New York, USA. The mixing room. Engraving, New York, 1886. WHA !ACHTUNG AUFNAHMEDATUM GESCHÄTZT! Copyright: WHA UnitedArchivesWHA_038_0011
Sugar refinery, New York, USA. Hatch of tank in which sugar syrup was filtered through animal charcoal. Engraving, New York, 1886. WHA !ACHTUNG AUFNAHMEDATUM GESCHÄTZT! Copyright: WHA UnitedArchivesWHA_038_0010
Exterior view of a sugar refinery, New York, USA. Engraving, New York, 1886. WHA !ACHTUNG AUFNAHMEDATUM GESCHÄTZT! Copyright: WHA UnitedArchivesWHA_038_0009

Images in this collection

Historische Abbildung, Kinderarbeit im Kohlebergbau, Hurriker, die ein Kordel ziehen, 19. Jahrhundert Historical illustration, child labour in the coal mining industry, hurriers pulling a corf, 19th Century Copyright: imageBROKER Heinz-DieterxFalkens iblhfa17300534.jpg

Historische Abbildung, Kinderarbeit im Kohlebergbau, Hurriker, die ein Kordel ziehen, 19. Jahrhundert Historical illustration, child labour in the coal mining industry, hurriers pulling a corf, 19th Century Copyright: imageBROKER Heinz-DieterxFalkens iblhfa17300532.jpg

Various light-duty locomotives built by H Illustration depicting various light-duty locomotives built by H.K. Porter, Inc., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Dated 19th century Copyright: xPhoto12 AnnxRonanxPicturexLibraryx ARP23A18215 !ACHTUNG AUFNAHMEDATUM GESCHÄTZT!

Railway Exchange (left) and Peoples Gas (right) Buildings, Chicago, Illinois, USA, Detroit Publishing Company, 1911 Copyright: xCircaxImagesx ghi-circa03288

Williamsburg Bridge and East River, New York City, New York, USA, Detroit Publishing Company, 1903 Copyright: xCircaxImagesx ghi-circa03212

RECORD DATE NOT STATED El Train or elevated railway, New York Vintage 19th century photograph - El Train or elevated railway, Manhattan New York, USA Copyright: Copyrightx(c)Geminix2023.xCredit:xGemini 13456736

RECORD DATE NOT STATED Railroad, Oakland and pier USA 19th century vintage photograph: Railroad, Oakland and pier, USA Copyright: Copyrightx(c)Geminix2023.xCredit:xGemini 13410417

RECORD DATE NOT STATED US Army building the Panama Canal, Central America The US Army taking part in the building of the Panama Canal, linking the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Date: early 20th century Copyright: Copyrightx(c)Geminix2023.xCredit:xGemini 10555122

PENNSYLVANIA: DONORA, 1901. Aerial view of Donora, Washington County, Pennsylvania. Lithograph from a drawing by T.M. Fowler, 1901. Copyright: xGRANGERx xGRANGERx 0184165

RECORD DATE NOT STATED Part of the production line at Ford s Highland Park factory, Detroit, Michigan, USA, c1914. Artist: Unknown Copyright:xOxfordxSciencexArchive Ford HeritagexImagesx IMAGO ,1157871 ! ACHTUNG: AUFNAHMEDATUM GESCHÄTZT! Copyright:OxfordxSciencexArchive Ford HeritagexImagesx IMAGO

View of a factory, USA 1940s

RECORD DATE NOT STATED Colebrook Furnace, Lebanon, Pennsylvania, USA, c1900. Creator: Unknown. Copyright:xThexPrintxCollector HeritagexImagesx IMAGO ,2697214 ! ACHTUNG: AUFNAHMEDATUM GESCHÄTZT! Copyright:ThexPrintxCollector HeritagexImagesx IMAGO

RECORD DATE NOT STATED Steel-Edgar Thomson Works , 1909. Artist: Joseph Pennell. Copyright:xThexPrintxCollector HeritagexImagesx IMAGO ,2625140 ! ACHTUNG: AUFNAHMEDATUM GESCHÄTZT! Copyright:ThexPrintxCollector HeritagexImagesx IMAGO

RECORD DATE NOT STATED Chevrolet 490 cars on production line, c1920. Artist: Unknown Copyright:xNationalxMotorxMuseum HeritagexImagesx IMAGO ,1193778 ! ACHTUNG: AUFNAHMEDATUM GESCHÄTZT! Copyright:NationalxMotorxMuseum HeritagexImagesx IMAGO

workers in the silver mines of Nevada, USA Arbeiter in den Silberminen von Nevada, USA, Reproduction of an original print from the 19th century, digital improved Reproduktion einer Vorlage aus dem 19. Jahrhundert, digital verbessert, Originaldatum nicht bekannt 1f-4892685

Automotive INDUSTRY Automotive industry in Ohio USA Photography circa 1910 Credit Collection NBL KHARBINE TAPABOR KH151356

Young Spinner in Cotton Mill, Roanoke Virginia, USA, Lewis Hine for National Child Labor Committee, May 1911 Copyright: CircaxImages ghi-circa04225

Young Spinners with Supervisor in Yarn Mill, Yazoo City, Mississippi, USA, Lewis Hine for National Child Labor Committee, May 1911 Copyright: CircaxImages ghi-circa04224

Young Tube Boy with Injured Finger and Overseer in Mule Room, Richmond Spinning Mill, East Lake, Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA, Lewis Hine for National Child Labor Committee, December 1910 Copyright: CircaxImages ghi-circa04220

Overseer and Two Doffer Boys, Full-length Portrait, Avondale Cotton Mills, Birmingham, Alabama, USA, Lewis Hine for National Child Labor Committee, November 1910 Copyright: CircaxImages ghi-circa04215

Spinning Room, Cotton Mill, Magnolia, Mississippi, USA, Lewis Hine for National Child Labor Committee, March 1911 Copyright: CircaxImages ghi-circa04207

Edison Electric Plant, Detroit Edison Company, Detroit, Michigan, USA, Detroit Publishing Company, 1910 Copyright: CircaxImages ghi-circa00809

Carnegie Steel Company, Lucy Furnace, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA, Detroit Publishing Company, 1910 Copyright: CircaxImages ghi-circa00742

Detroit Iron and Steel Co., Detroit, Michigan, USA, Detroit Publishing Company, 1903 Copyright: CircaxImages ghi-circa00562

Phoenix Iron and Bridge Works, Phoenixville, Pennsylvania Phoenix Iron and Bridge Works, Phoenixville, Pennsylvania 1873 From The Science Record New York Copyright: xPhoto12 AnnxRonanxPicturexLibraryx ARP07094390000643

United States: February 11, 1918 Women making bullets in a factory during the war. xUnderwoodxArchives 4-WWI-US-HF_17

Newark, New Jersey: February 2, 1927 Mrs. Ernie Pye making racing tires for bicycles. her late husband, a professional rider, developed the racing tire and the company. xUnderwoodxArchives 3-Rec-Bike-Mfg_1

Washington, D.C.: c. 1937 Workers running mimeograph and multi-lith machines in the mechanical section of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. xUnderwoodxArchives 1-Off-Equip_9

Doffers (Child labour) in a textile factory, in Cherryville, North Carolina, USA. 1910 WHA !ACHTUNG AUFNAHMEDATUM GESCHÄTZT! Copyright: WHA UnitedArchivesWHA_063_0271

Sugar refinery, New York, USA. The mixing room. Engraving, New York, 1886. WHA !ACHTUNG AUFNAHMEDATUM GESCHÄTZT! Copyright: WHA UnitedArchivesWHA_038_0011

Sugar refinery, New York, USA. Hatch of tank in which sugar syrup was filtered through animal charcoal. Engraving, New York, 1886. WHA !ACHTUNG AUFNAHMEDATUM GESCHÄTZT! Copyright: WHA UnitedArchivesWHA_038_0010

Exterior view of a sugar refinery, New York, USA. Engraving, New York, 1886. WHA !ACHTUNG AUFNAHMEDATUM GESCHÄTZT! Copyright: WHA UnitedArchivesWHA_038_0009