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Well, let me state what I think the lesson is that is being implied in this thread:  <o:p></o:p> The lesson that has been framed around this issue is that repressive and dangerous working conditions are a natural consequence of capitalism unless unions and/or government prevents capitalism from inflicting these horrors upon society.   <o:p></o:p> That is one way of looking at it.  The other way is that capitalism offered employment with its risks, and anyone was free to take it or leave it.  The fact that children took jobs and were deprived of a carefree childhood may be seen as unfortunate.  Likewise, the fact that men took jobs on the railroads and were exposed to great physical danger may be seen as unfortunate.  On the plus side, children matured quicker when they took employment.  This has always been somewhat of a hedge against the all too easy outcome of maturing too slowly.  The children also added to the family’s standard of living.  The photos are meant to portray the horrors of child labor, but they fail to communicate that message.  The children in the photos appear to be confident and content with their lot in life.   <o:p></o:p> As Greyhounds mentioned, child labor ended with a law.  But I do not believe that it is a proven fact that it would return if the law were repealed, as is implied by the agenda that capitalism naturally produces evils such as child labor, dangerous working conditions, and robber barons.   Capitalism is not just a one-way street that sacrifices all the good of their employees to save cost.  Saving cost does add to profit, but unhappy employees reduces profit.  <o:p></o:p> So there are two ways of looking at this.  Which way is correct?  Or is the truth somewhere in between?  That is why I asked what the lesson was.
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