Massachusetts passed the nation's first minimum wage law, although the law was limited to women and children. California, Colorado, Minnesota, Nebraska, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wisconsin followed shortly after, passing minimum wage laws of their own.

What was the original reason for minimum wage?

The purpose of the minimum wage was to stabilize the post-depression economy and protect the workers in the labor force. The minimum wage was designed to create a minimum standard of living to protect the health and well-being of employees.

Which country first had minimum wage?

Each country sets its own minimum wage laws and regulations, and more than 90% of all countries have some kind of minimum wage legislation. The first national minimum wage law was enacted by the government of New Zealand in 1896, followed by Australia in 1899 and United Kingdom in 1902.