Here's a breakdown:
* "Street urchins" was a general term for children who lived and worked on the streets, often in poverty. This included newsboys, bootblacks, and other child laborers.
* "Newsies" was a more specific term for the children who sold newspapers. They were often organized into gangs, or "crews," for protection and to control their territory.
These children belonged to a marginalized group within society:
* They were often poor and orphaned, forced to work to survive.
* They faced exploitation and abuse from employers and authorities.
* They developed a unique culture and camaraderie based on their shared experiences and struggles.
Important to note:
While the term "newsies" is often romanticized, their lives were tough. They worked long hours, faced dangerous conditions, and were often exploited. Their situation highlights the social injustices and inequalities of that era.
Further Reading:
* "Newsies: The Newsboys of New York City" by John F. Kasson provides a detailed historical account of newsboys' lives.
* The movie "Newsies" (1992) is a fictionalized account of the 1899 Newsboys' Strike, which was a real event led by child news vendors.