Meaning: This quote highlights the historical and social significance of the curtailment of working hours and the raising of the minimum age for children in the workforce. It emphasizes the importance of education in a democratic society and the inherent conflict between child labor and attending school. The idea that education is necessary in a democracy speaks to the fundamental belief that an educated populace is essential for the functioning and progress of a democratic society. This concept has been a driving force behind labor laws and policies aimed at protecting the rights of children and promoting their access to education.

The historical context of this quote can be traced back to the industrial revolution, a period marked by rapid industrialization and the widespread exploitation of child labor. During this time, children as young as five or six years old were often employed in factories, mines, and other hazardous working environments. This exploitation of child labor was driven by the demand for cheap and easily controlled labor, as well as the dire economic circumstances faced by many families. As a result, children were deprived of their right to a proper education and were subjected to long hours of grueling work that often led to physical and emotional harm.

In response to these conditions, social reformers and labor activists began advocating for the curtailment of working hours and the raising of the minimum age for child labor. Their arguments were rooted in the belief that education was essential for the development of responsible and informed citizens in a democratic society. By limiting the hours children could work and raising the minimum age for employment, advocates aimed to ensure that children had the opportunity to attend school and receive a proper education. This was seen as crucial for nurturing the intellectual and moral development of future citizens and for safeguarding the principles of democracy.

The quote also reflects the broader societal shift towards recognizing and prioritizing the rights of children. As industrialization progressed and awareness of the detrimental effects of child labor grew, there was a growing consensus that children deserved protection from exploitation and the opportunity to pursue their education. This shift in attitude led to the implementation of various child labor laws and regulations aimed at improving the working conditions and educational opportunities for children.

In the United States, for example, the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 established minimum age requirements for employment and limitations on the hours that children could work. This legislation was a significant step towards protecting the rights of young workers and ensuring that they had the opportunity to attend school. Similar efforts were undertaken in other countries around the world, reflecting a global recognition of the importance of education and the need to protect children from the harmful effects of labor exploitation.

In conclusion, the quote "The first and continuing argument for the curtailment of working hours and the raising of the minimum age was that education was necessary in a democracy and working children could not attend school" encapsulates the historical and ongoing struggle to protect children from the harms of labor exploitation and to prioritize their access to education. It underscores the fundamental belief that education is essential for the functioning of a democratic society and serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to safeguard the rights of children in the workforce.