Department of Commerce and Labor

The Department of Commerce and Labor was a U.S. federal agency established in 1903 to promote economic growth, regulate industry, and support workers. It combined efforts to encourage trade and business development while also protecting workers' rights and improving working conditions. The department aimed to balance business interests with fair labor practices through research, regulation, and policy-making. In 1913, it was split into two separate entities: the Department of Commerce and the Department of Labor, allowing each to focus more specifically on their respective areas.