In what way did the Progressive movement address the issue of child labor?

The Progressive movement significantly focused on social reform, and one of its key concerns was the issue of child labor. The movement recognized that many children were exploited in factories and mines, often working long hours in hazardous conditions instead of attending school. Progressive reformers lobbied for labor laws that aimed to restrict child labor, advocating for legislation that would set minimum age requirements and limit work hours for children. Their efforts contributed to the eventual passage of laws that aimed to protect children and improve their welfare, ultimately leading to increased school attendance and a reduction in child labor practices.

In contrast, promoting greater labor force participation does not align with the Progressive movement's goals regarding child labor, as they sought to reduce children's work in favor of education. Establishing minimum wage laws, while an important issue, was separate from the specific issue of child labor and did not directly address the legal restrictions on young workers. Supporting the dismantling of public schools contradicts the movement's emphasis on education, as Progressive reformers wanted to expand educational opportunities for children, not eliminate them. Thus, the correct answer highlights the Progressive movement's commitment to enacting labor reforms that specifically targeted the protection of children from exploitation in the workforce.