The significance of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) in U.S. history, enacted in 1938, lies in its establishment of key labor regulations. It set a national minimum wage, regulated working hours, and prohibited child labor in certain industries. The FLSA aimed to protect workers and improve their living standards during a time of economic distress, helping to set a precedent for labor rights. Its implementation marked a crucial step towards social justice, fostering better working conditions and ensuring fair compensation for labor, which has had lasting effects on the American workforce.