The online tool for teaching with documents, from the National Archives

Child Labor Photograph Discussion

Focusing on Details: Discussion Topic

All documents and text associated with this activity are printed below, followed by a worksheet for student responses.

Introduction

Closely examine these two boys and answer the questions that follow. 
 
  • Quickly scan the photo. What do you notice first?
  • Who are these boys?
  • Where are they? 
  • What are they doing?  


Name:
Class:

Worksheet

Child Labor Photograph Discussion

Focusing on Details: Discussion Topic

Examine the documents included in this activity and write your response in the space provided.


What do you think the boys might be thinking?  Create a short speech or thought bubble that represents what one of the boys may be thinking. 

Your Response



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Activity Element

Bibb Mill No. 1, Macon, Ga.

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Conclusion

Child Labor Photograph Discussion

Focusing on Details: Discussion Topic

Brainstorm short speeches or thought bubbles from other perspectives on child labor. 

  • What would a parent, factory owner, muckraker, or consumer have to say about these conditions?
  • What people would support child labor, and why? What would be the arguments for it or against it?

 


Your Response



Document

Bibb Mill No. 1, Macon, Ga.

1/19/1909

The original caption for this image, taken by photographer Lewis Hine, reads: Bibb Mill No. 1, Macon, Ga. Many youngsters here. Some boys and girls were so small they had to climb up on to the spinning frame to mend broken threads and to put back the empty bobbins.
This primary source comes from the Records of the Children's Bureau.
National Archives Identifier: 523148
Full Citation: Photograph 102-LH-488; Bibb Mill No. 1, Macon, Ga.; 1/19/1909; Bibb Mill No. 1, Macon, Ga. Many youngsters here. Some boys and girls were so small they had to climb up on to the spinning frame to mend broken threads and to put back the empty bobbins., ; Records of the Children's Bureau, ; National Archives at College Park, College Park, MD. [Online Version, https://docsteach.org/documents/document/bibb-mill, April 18, 2024]


Bibb Mill No. 1, Macon, Ga.

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